Vivian Burla Nelson, 94, died on August 13, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas. A longtime resident of Brookdale Corpus Christi senior living center, she was born October 22, 1922, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was described as well liked by neighbors and friends.

Her death occurred after her 75-year-old son, Leslie Charles Nelson, removed her from the facility, took her to his home, made her a cup of coffee and then shot her in the head. Leslie then attempted to take his own life by ingesting more than 50 hydrocodone pills; he was arrested and charged with murder. At trial the defense said his actions were intended to relieve Vivian’s suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, while the prosecution called the killing cold and calculated. Leslie was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Anyone who knew Vivian or saw her at Brookdale Corpus Christi in the months before August 2017, or who has information about her care, is asked to share what they remember.