John Jefferson
Inset, top to bottom: Leo Moore and Haley Barber (Dallas County Jail). Background: The condo where they allegedly killed Johnny Mac Ross Jr. (KDFW).
ALT: Woman told boyfriend to ‘finish off’ man they stabbed 10 hours earlier so she didn’t see him suffering while they robbed him: Police
A 20-year-old woman in Texas and her boyfriend of the same age have been accused of robbing and brutally killing a man who had allowed the couple to live with him in his condominium, drugging his drink and stabbing him multiple times.
Haley Barber and Leo Moore were taken into custody on Thursday and each charged with one count of capital murder by terror, threat, or other felony as well as one count of evading arrest or detention in the slaying of 53-year-old Johnny Mac Ross Jr., authorities announced.
Moore was also charged with one count of property theft valued at over $2,500.
According to a news release from the Garland Police Department, officers at about 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2024, responded to a report regarding a deceased individual at a residence located in the 4500 block of Chaha Road, which is about 17 miles east of Dallas.
Upon arriving, first responders said they located an adult male — later identified as Ross — who appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene. Officers on the scene also noted that they “observed evidence indicating foul play within the residence.”
A preliminary investigation determined that Ross suffered multiple stab wounds with a knife.
“Investigators also discovered that one of the victim’s vehicles, a 2001 Mercedes, had been stolen from the residence,” the release states. “At approximately 1:00 p.m. on November 11, Garland Officers located the stolen vehicle traveling on Miller Road near LBJ Freeway. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects, Haley Barber and Leo Moore, fled and led them in a brief vehicle pursuit before stopping and fleeing on foot.”
Both suspects were apprehended a short while later.
Police said they obtained evidence showing that Barber and Moore knew Ross and were responsible for his death.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by Dallas-Fort Worth Fox affiliate KDFW provided additional details about the circumstances of Ross’ alleged murder.
According to the report, Barber sold a car to one of her friends that she claimed belonged to her “grandfather,” but was actually owned by Ross. That friend accompanied Barber to Ross’ condo to get a spare key for the vehicle and said the home had a “foul smell.” The friend then asked about Barber’s grandfather and she allegedly showed him Ross’ body, which was wrapped up in a back bedroom.
Barber then allegedly confessed to the friend that she and Moore had drugged Ross’ drink and stabbed him. The friend then alerted his mother and called the police, per the report.
Inside the condo, police reportedly found a Bowie knife, bloodstains on the couches, and bloody towels and shoes that had been put away in the closet. Ross’ body was found wrapped in garbage bags, sheets, and a rug.
A neighbor’s doorbell camera showed the two suspects enter and leave the condo multiple times during the time frame police believe Ross was killed, which is said to be several days before his body was discovered.
Authorities were able to apprehend Barber and Moore as they were driving a Mercedes that belonged to Ross.
During an interview with police, Barber allegedly admitted that she and Moore planned to steal Ross’ money and cars.
Moore allegedly admitted that he waited until Ross was asleep on the couch before stabbing him in the neck. The two reportedly left the apartment for about eight to 10 hours before returning to find Ross still alive.
Barber then reportedly directed Moore to “finish off” Ross so she didn’t have to watch him suffer. Moore allegedly admitted that he then stabbed Ross in the upper back multiple times.
The suspects are currently being held in the Dallas County Jail on $1,000,000 bond.
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