A Montgomery County jury needed just 20 minutes to convict a 50-year-old Montgomery man of murder in the death of his ex-girlfriend that he strangled and ran over with her vehicle at a convenience store on Walden Road in October 2021.
Anthony Moore was sentenced to life in prison for the death of Laura Martelli. Moore must serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.
According to information from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Conroe Police officers were dispatched the Walden Road Express Market Oct. 18, 2021. Once on scene, officers learned that Moore had followed Martelli to the location shortly after she had dropped off her then 9-year-old daughter at school.
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After confronting Martelli, Moore strangled her just outside of her vehicle, then threw her to the ground, court documents state. Moore then got into Martelli’s SUV and ran over her. Martelli was able to recount these events before she lost consciousness.
Martelli later died in the emergency room.
At trial, Mike Holley, first assistant district attorney, stated in a news release jurors heard from Martelli’s close friends. Several said Martelli had broken up with Moore the day before her murder due to continuous acts of family violence, some of which took place in front of Martelli’s daughter.
Holley stated prosecutors presented video from the inside of Moore and Martelli’s home, which showed Moore hitting, pushing and throwing Martelli down.
District Attorney Brett Ligon called Moore’s acts “savage.”
“The fact that family violence is persistent and widespread does not mean it should be excused or overlooked,” Ligon said. “I am grateful our jurors understand this and continue to render justice for victims whenever called upon.”
