AUSTIN, Texas – In a disturbing scene that unfolded in a quiet neighborhood, police found two elderly individuals deceased in their home following a welfare check, with their grandson and suspected killer discovered nonchalantly smoking and drinking as if in a routine break. The shocking incident occurred on September 21, shaking the local community to its core.
Concerns were raised when family members were unable to make contact with Shari Mallory-Maxa, 74, and Anthony Maxa, 76. Their apprehensions led them to call for a police check at the residence after dubious explanations from the couple’s grandson, 34-year-old Austin Monaghan, who lived with the victims. Monaghan purportedly told inquirers his grandparents were involved in an intense argument, a claim that did not sit well with the family.
Upon arrival, officers described a chilling indifference displayed by Monaghan as he stepped outside the home. Lighting a cigarette and cracking open a soda, he casually confirmed the presence of his grandparents inside the house but failed to disclose the gruesome reality awaiting the authorities. As police entered, they discovered both Shari and Anthony Maxa’s bodies in the hallway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Initial police investigations and forensic analysis indicated a grim scene where both victims had been shot at close range, evident from the stippling on Anthony Maxa’s face, pointing to a deliberate act of violence. Shari suffered three gunshot wounds while Anthony was hit six times. Spent cartridges were found scattered near their bodies, corroborating the close-range firing.
A search of Monaghan revealed even more disturbing evidence including pistol ammunition, a string of pearls, and medication prescribed to his grandmother. The couple’s bedroom appeared thoroughly plundered, evident from the emptied drawers and overturned jewelry boxes.
Further condemning evidence was located in Monaghan’s room and within a vehicle he had been seen loading prior to the police’s arrival. Detectives found a .380 caliber handgun, additional rounds of ammunition, and an array of the couple’s possessions which included women’s jewelry and blank checks.
As the investigation proceeds, Monaghan faces charges of capital murder and remains detained in Travis County Jail. The community remains in shock, grappling with the unsettling breach of peace in what seemed a secure family environment. Monaghan’s calm demeanor following what appears to be a calculated attack adds a particularly unnerving layer to the horrific events.
This tragedy strikes a nerve within the Austin community, prompting a broader discussion on the safety and wellbeing of its senior residents. Law enforcement stresses the importance of vigilance and community support, especially for the vulnerable elderly population, in hopes of preventing such heinous crimes in the future. As the legal process unfolds, the community seeks justice and healing from a crime that has left an indelible mark on many.