Burlington Woman Accused of Cousin's Murder Reaches Trial's End

Jurors heard final witness testimony in the case against Tisha Bounds for the stabbing death of her cousin Derius Lashaun Moore.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Tisha Bounds, 50, is on trial for first-degree murder for the death of her cousin Derius Lashaun Moore, 33, of Chicago. Jurors heard from the final witness for the prosecution, Dr. Dennis Klein, a forensic pathologist and the State's Medical Examiner who confirmed Moore's death was a homicide. Previous witnesses testified the stabbing happened during a fight over housing. The defense called two witnesses, including Bounds' sister regarding the housing dispute and the property manager who said Bounds wasn't supposed to be living at the address.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions and disputes over housing, especially in tight-knit communities, that can tragically escalate to violence. The trial also examines the complex family dynamics and living situations that can contribute to such tragic outcomes.

The details

Tisha Bounds is accused of stabbing her cousin Derius Lashaun Moore to death last March during a fight over housing at an apartment on Angular Street in Burlington, Iowa. The prosecution's final witness, Dr. Dennis Klein, confirmed through autopsy that Moore's death was a homicide. The defense called Bounds' sister, who testified about the housing dispute, and the property manager, who said Bounds wasn't supposed to be living at the address.

  • The stabbing incident occurred last March.
  • The trial began in February 2026.

The players

Tisha Bounds

A 50-year-old Burlington woman accused of first-degree murder for the stabbing death of her cousin.

Derius Lashaun Moore

The 33-year-old cousin of Tisha Bounds who was killed in the stabbing incident.

Dr. Dennis Klein

The forensic pathologist and State Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy on Derius Lashaun Moore and confirmed his death was a homicide.

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What they’re saying

“We must get to the bottom of this tragic situation and ensure justice is served.”

— Tisha Bounds, Defendant

What’s next

The judge is expected to deliver a verdict in the case in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater resources and support to address housing insecurity and family conflicts before they escalate to violence, as well as the importance of thorough investigations to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding such tragic events.