A 22-year-old woman from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Shaylin Elizabeth Moore, has been charged with residential burglary and third-degree battery following a heated dispute with her neighbor over outdoor Christmas decorations. The incident, which took place on Monday, escalated into violence when Moore allegedly entered her neighbor’s apartment and assaulted her.
The disagreement began over inflatable Christmas decorations owned by Moore. The neighbor, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported to the police that Moore had asked her to prevent her dog from damaging the decorations. The conversation quickly spiraled into a verbal altercation, which later led to Moore allegedly entering her neighbor’s apartment and initiating a physical assault.
The affidavit details the victim’s account of the incident, stating that she was sitting on her couch when Moore entered, jumped on her, and began to punch her. The victim’s dog attempted to intervene, scratching Moore’s face in the process.
Responding officers reported that Moore admitted to instigating the fight after entering her neighbor’s home. Despite officers advising Moore that they would speak to her shortly, Moore continued to confess to her actions.
Circuit Judge Barbara Halsey found probable cause to charge Moore with one count of residential burglary and one count of third-degree battery. Moore was taken into custody at the Craighead County Detention Center on Monday and was released on a $10,000 bond on Tuesday.
As part of her bond conditions, Moore has been ordered to avoid any contact with her neighbor and to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from her residence. When Moore pointed out the logistical issue of their adjacent apartments, Judge Halsey responded, “That’s a problem, I understand, but it happens to be your problem.” Moore is scheduled to appear in court on December 17.