A Texas woman, who claimed that her missing Houston landlord faked his death and ran away to Africa two years ago, has been arrested on murder and theft charges.

Pamela Ann Merritt, 43, allegedly killed Colin Kerdachi, 78, confessed to friends, hid the body under stairs for months and told police when they showed up that the remains belonged to a dead dog, according to court documents.

People reported Kerdachi missing in February 2021 after a winter storm and deep freeze gripped the city and caused widespread power outages.