Addison Police Investigate Death of Handicapped Woman in her 80s as Murder

Addison police are investigating the death of a handicapped woman in her 80s as a murder.

So far, no one is in custody.

Addison Police identified the woman as 82-year-old Joan Mulcahy.

Neighbors at the Communities of Bent Tree in Addison said it's disturbing that an elderly woman, confined to a wheelchair was harmed.

Addison police were back at the large apartment complex on Tuesday following up on leads and re-interviewing some neighbors.

The apartment complex is located on Westgrove Drive near Dallas North Tollway.

Officers from Addison and Dallas police departments were called to the Communities of Bent Tree around 6:30 p.m. on Monday after Mulcahy was found lifeless in her wheelchair outside in the breezeway of her apartment building.

Mulcahy died of unnatural causes and her death is being investigated as a homicide, the department's spokesman said on Tuesday.

Addison police will also not say whether Mulcahy showed signs of being robbed or if her apartment unit located on the first floor showed signs of a break-in.

Police are looking at reports of someone seen leaving the area shortly after Mulcahy was found dead but will only say they are pursuing several leads in the case.

The apartment manager declined to speak or release a statement citing the ongoing investigation.

Neighbors and a worker at the complex said a lot of residents knew Mulcahy, but only by her first name.

They describe her as a peaceful, friendly woman who had no issues.

"She would roll out by the street, by the sidewalk just to enjoy the day," said Tim Turner who lives nearby. "If somebody is going to attack someone or something, well do it against someone who can defend themselves. But taking advantage of someone who's elderly, handicapped? That cuts the wrong way."

The immediate vicinity is full of apartment buildings so police are hoping someone may have a car 'dash camera' that may activate on movements.

If so, police urge residents to check their cameras for any possible video around 6 or 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

If anyone has any information on this murder, you are urged to call the Addison Police Department's non-emergency line at 972-450-7156.