A Maryland man’s conviction marks a historic first in Montgomery County for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child.
At a Glance
- Torrey Moore convicted of first-degree murder for killing pregnant girlfriend and unborn child
- First conviction in Montgomery County for the murder of a viable unborn child
- Moore faces multiple charges, including use of a handgun in a felony
- Sentencing scheduled for March 28, with possible life imprisonment without parole
- Case linked to another murder of a gas station clerk
Unprecedented Conviction in Montgomery County
In a groundbreaking case, Torrey Moore has been found guilty of first-degree murder for the deaths of his pregnant girlfriend, Denise Middleton, and her unborn child. This verdict marks the first time in Montgomery County, Maryland, that a defendant has been convicted of killing a viable, unborn child.
The jury’s decision sets a significant precedent in the county’s legal history. Moore’s conviction includes two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony, one count of a crime of violence against a pregnant person, and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.
A Maryland man who lived with his dead pregnant girlfriend in his apartment for almost a month was convicted of murdering the mother and unborn child. https://t.co/FsyiHb5ajx
— Post Local (@postlocal) November 24, 2024
Details of the Tragic Events
The case unfolded when surveillance footage last captured Denise Middleton, eight and a half months pregnant, alive on October 9, 2022, in Moore’s apartment building. Investigators believe that shortly after this footage was taken, Moore shot Middleton seven times.
The grim discovery of Middleton’s body in Moore’s apartment, already in an advanced stage of decomposition, occurred when police went to serve an arrest warrant for an unrelated crime. This led to the uncovering of Moore’s involvement in multiple violent incidents.
Connected Crimes and Aftermath
The double murder case is linked to another heinous act committed by Moore. On December 8, 2022, he was involved in the fatal shooting of Ayalew Wondimu, a gas station clerk in Silver Spring. This incident ultimately led to the discovery of Middleton’s body when police went to arrest Moore for the gas station murder.
In the aftermath of Middleton’s murder, Moore’s actions revealed a disturbing pattern. He traveled across the country for 26 days, during which he conducted internet searches related to dead bodies. These searches included queries such as “How long does it take for a dead body to smell?” and “How to move a dead body without being seen,” providing chilling insight into his state of mind following the crime.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Moore now faces severe legal consequences for his actions. With the potential for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, his sentencing, scheduled for March 28, is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in this case. The outcome of this sentencing will likely set a precedent for future cases involving the murder of unborn children in Montgomery County.
This case has drawn significant attention, not only for its tragic nature but also for its legal implications. It underscores the ongoing debate about fetal homicide laws and their application in criminal cases. As communities grapple with these complex issues, the Moore case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crimes and the legal system’s evolving approach to protecting the unborn.
