Introduction
Garland police recently arrested two suspects, Haley Barbour and Leo Moore, on charges of capital murder in the death of Johnny Mac Ross Jr., who was found deceased in his condo. The arrest followed a chase involving a stolen vehicle that belonged to Ross. This case has revealed disturbing details about the crime, including the suspects’ alleged living arrangement with the victim, unsettling evidence left behind, and the suspects’ behavior following the killing.
The Discovery of the Body
The murder of Johnny Mac Ross Jr. came to light after neighbors reported a foul odor coming from his condo near Lake Ray Hubbard. Ross’s body was eventually discovered early on a Monday morning, wrapped in multiple layers, including bed sheets and a rug. The medical examiner is working to determine the exact time of death, but initial findings indicate Ross may have been deceased for several days before he was found. According to law enforcement, the stabbing likely occurred over the weekend, though it was not recent at the time of discovery.
Suspects’ Connection to the Victim
Neighbors and friends of the victim revealed that Barbour and Moore, both in their early twenties, had been staying with Ross for a few weeks leading up to his death. Dylan Meadows, one of Ross’s neighbors, spoke about Ross’s generally friendly demeanor, describing him as someone who enjoyed fishing and sharing food with those around him. He also recalled hearing loud noises coming from the condo in the days preceding the discovery of Ross’s body, suggesting possible signs of an altercation or struggle.
Surveillance footage from Saturday night shows the suspects going in and out of the condo within a timeframe that aligns with the suspected time of the stabbing. According to Garland police, the footage supports their timeline of the events leading up to Ross’s death. Neighbors noted that the odor around the condo had progressively worsened throughout the weekend, with many realizing by Sunday evening that something was seriously wrong.
High-Risk Activity and Possible Motive
While Ross was known positively by some neighbors, others indicated that the condo was associated with high-risk activity. Despite the potential risks, Garland police are still investigating a definitive motive behind the killing. The suspects were apprehended in Ross’s stolen 2001 Mercedes, which led to a police chase along the LBJ Freeway before Barbour and Moore were eventually taken into custody. Investigators have not determined if the stolen vehicle itself was the motive behind the murder, noting that the circumstances remain unclear and raise more questions about the events leading up to Ross’s death.
Ongoing Investigation and Suspects’ Detention
Since the arrest of Barbour and Moore, authorities have been trying to gather more information to fully understand the dynamics and motive of this case. Detectives are working to piece together details from witness testimonies, surveillance footage, and other evidence to form a clearer picture of what transpired. They have expressed the need for further insight, and the police are calling on the community to come forward with any additional information that may shed light on this incident.
While detained in the Garland City Jail, the suspects have reportedly been somewhat cooperative, though police continue to work with the limited details they have at this stage. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing all available leads to determine the reasons behind this violent act.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Johnny Mac Ross Jr. has left both his community and investigators with more questions than answers. Barbour and Moore, who had been living with Ross, now face charges of capital murder as police work to unravel the details of this case. The stolen car, surveillance footage, and reports of high-risk activities have provided initial clues, but the complete picture of what happened inside Ross’s condo remains elusive. As detectives continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, awaiting further details in hopes that justice will be served for the victim and his loved ones.
