An elderly man has been taken into custody for what authorities are calling the “brutal murder” of his roommate and her pet dog, and for using her credit cards in an attempt to escape the country.
Officers from the Austin Police Department responded to a call about a deceased individual at a residence just before 2 p.m. on Nov. 18.
Upon arrival, they discovered the deceased individual to be Linda Mlsna, 83, along with her dog. According to court documents obtained by FOX 7 Austin, Mlsna had not been in contact with anyone for six days.
In a news briefing on Nov. 21, APD Homicide Det. Israel Pena mentioned that a neighbor had noticed a decomposing odor and insect activity around the residence.
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Austin police have apprehended and charged an elderly man for a “very brutal” fatal assault on his roommate and her dog. He allegedly used her credit cards to buy multiple gift cards with plans to flee the country. (Austin Police Department)
A family member who lived nearby also found Mlsna in a closet with a deceased dog on top of her, according to court documents.
Further investigation revealed evidence of a violent altercation in the home, affirming the suspicion of homicide, as stated by Pena.
Moore, Mlsna’s 84-year-old roommate, was initially missing from the scene. However, it was later discovered that he had used Mlsna’s credit cards for fraudulent transactions post her demise.
After locating Moore on an unrelated warrant, officers apprehended him.
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An 84-year-old man was charged with murder after he killed his elderly roommate and her dog, confirmed the Austin Police Department. (Austin Police Department)
During questioning with detectives, Moore allegedly admitted to the killings, theft of credit cards, and plotting to leave the country.
Moore mentioned that he feared Mlsna’s family would transfer her to a nursing home due to her age, claiming she had expressed a wish to stay in the house until her passing. He also confessed to killing the dog to keep it with her forever, as per the arrest affidavit on FOX 7.
A search warrant at the residence uncovered blood stains and Mlsna’s phone, which had alerts about suspicious transactions made post her death. Her family disclosed Moore’s ongoing financial exploitation.
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Mlsna’s death is under investigation as Austin’s 63rd homicide of 2024. (Austin Police Department)
Authorities visited the store linked to the illicit purchases and found footage of Moore acquiring 36 gift cards through 21 transactions, some post Mlsna’s death.
Moore was apprehended by US Marshals for a parole breach related to a carjacking offense, in an apartment close to Mlsna’s residence.
A search of the apartment yielded numerous gift cards, credit cards belonging to Mlsna, and women’s jewelry.
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Investigations revealed Moore’s extensive criminal past, including bank thefts and prior prison time.
Moore is facing charges of first-degree murder and a parole violation for carjacking, with a bond set at $1 million at Travis County Jail.
Police consider this case as Austin’s 63rd homicide of 2024.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. For story tips and suggestions, email stepheny.price@fox.com
