On September 21, 2024, Austin police conducted a welfare check at the residence of 74-year-old Shari Mallory-Maxa and her husband, 76-year-old Anthony Maxa, located on Brookhill Drive in South Austin. Family members had expressed concern after being unable to reach the couple and reported that their grandson, 21-year-old Chevy Kyler Monaghan, who resided with them, was acting suspiciously and refusing entry to the home.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Monaghan in the driveway.
He claimed his grandparents were inside and unharmed. However, his behavior raised suspicions; he reportedly lit a marijuana cigarette and opened a soda can while speaking with the officers. Gaining entry into the home, police discovered Shari and Anthony deceased in the hallway, each having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators determined that Monaghan had shot his grandparents. He was arrested at the scene and charged with capital murder of multiple persons. During the investigation, officers found ammunition in Monaghan's pockets, along with his grandmother's jewelry and prescriptions. The couple's bedroom appeared ransacked, and additional items, including blank checks and more ammunition, were found in a vehicle Monaghan was loading.
An autopsy revealed that Shari had been shot three times, while Anthony sustained six gunshot wounds, some inflicted from a distance of less than three feet. Further inquiries uncovered that Monaghan had purchased the firearm used in the killings from an Austin pawn shop on July 4, 2024.
Shari Elaine Mallory-Maxa, born on September 22, 1949, in Waco, Texas, was a seventh-generation Daughter of the Republic of Texas and a devout Christian. She was known for her unwavering dedication to her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Her nurturing spirit and steadfast faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
The tragic loss of Shari and her husband has profoundly impacted their family and the Austin community. A vigil was held at Garrison Park to honor their memory, and funeral services took place on October 3, 2024, at Westoak Woods Baptist Church, followed by interment at Forest Oaks Memorial Park.
As legal proceedings against Monaghan continue, the family seeks justice and attempts to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved individuals whose lives were abruptly taken. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact the Austin Police Department.
