Woman Allegedly Ordered Boyfriend to ‘Finish Off’ Stabbing Victim After 10-Hour Gap

GARLAND, TX — A couple accused of robbing and murdering a man reportedly left him alive for hours after an initial stabbing, only to return later and fatally stab him again at the woman’s direction, according to police.

Haley Barber, 20, and her boyfriend, Leo Moore, 20, both of Mesquite, face capital murder charges in the Nov. 11 killing of Johnny Mac Ross Jr., 53, at his condominium in Garland. Police say the couple drugged Ross’s drink, stabbed him, and fled, leaving him suffering for 8 to 10 hours before returning to “finish” the job.

According to authorities, Moore admitted that he initially stabbed Ross in the neck while the victim was asleep on a couch. When the pair returned hours later to find him still alive, Barber allegedly instructed Moore to kill Ross so she wouldn’t have to see him suffering. Moore then stabbed him multiple times in the back, police say.

Ross’s body was discovered wrapped in garbage bags, sheets, and a rug in his condominium in the 4500 block of Chaha Road. Investigators found a Bowie knife, bloody towels, and other evidence hidden in the home. A stolen 2001 Mercedes belonging to Ross ultimately led officers to the suspects, who were arrested after a brief vehicle pursuit.

Barber and Moore are being held without bond. Detectives believe the suspects knew Ross and intended to rob him of money and vehicles.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police urge anyone with information to contact the Garland Police Department or submit tips through Crime Stoppers.