In a chilling case of double murder and the death of an unborn child, Torrey Moore, a 34-year-old man, has been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences for killing his pregnant girlfriend and a gas station clerk in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy announced on May 30 that Moore would spend the rest of his life in prison for these heinous crimes.
Details of the Crimes
Moore was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of his pregnant girlfriend, Denise Middleton, and 61-year-old gas station clerk, Ayalew Wondimu, as well as for the death of Middleton’s unborn child.
A separate jury convicted Moore of two additional first-degree murders for the fatal shooting of Middleton and her unborn child. Middleton was just weeks away from her due date when she was killed.
The tragic events unfolded on December 8, 2022, when officers and emergency responders were called to the Dash In Convenience Store on New Hampshire Avenue. Wondimu, the clerk, was found shot dead at the scene.
Investigators say Moore entered the store, got into a verbal altercation with Wondimu, and the dispute escalated into a physical fight. Moore, who was reportedly wearing a vest, then pulled out a handgun and shot Wondimu, killing him instantly.
Moore’s Actions Following the Shooting
After killing Wondimu, Moore fled the scene and went into hiding. Authorities later obtained a search warrant for Moore’s home, which was located across the street from the gas station.
Upon entering the apartment, police officers were struck by a “terrible smell” and discovered the mummified remains of Denise Middleton. The state’s attorney’s office confirmed that Middleton’s body had been there for an extended period of time. An autopsy revealed that Middleton had been shot seven times.
Investigators found that Moore and Middleton had entered the apartment together on October 9, 2022. Surveillance footage showed the couple entering the building, and detectives believe Moore shot Middleton shortly afterward. Shockingly, Moore allegedly lived with his girlfriend’s decomposing body for over a month before being arrested in December 2022.
Moore’s Search for a Defense
After the murder of Denise Middleton, Moore reportedly fled the area for 26 days. During this time, he made disturbing online searches, including queries like, “How long does it take for a dead body to smell?” and “How to move a dead body without being seen?” Moore also allegedly searched for ways to create a psychiatric defense for his actions.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Moore’s conviction marks a significant legal outcome for the family and community affected by the murders. In addition to the charges for first-degree murder, Moore faced charges for use of a handgun in a felony, illegal possession of a firearm, and burglary in connection to the shooting of Wondimu. The three consecutive life sentences will ensure Moore spends the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy expressed his commitment to justice, saying, “This man’s actions were not just cruel but inhumane, and he will be held fully accountable for the devastation he caused to two innocent victims, their families, and the community.”
Community Impact and Family’s Loss
The loss of Denise Middleton and her unborn child, as well as the senseless killing of Ayalew Wondimu, has left their families devastated. The community of Montgomery County is in mourning after witnessing the extreme violence of this case, and Middleton’s family is coping with the trauma of losing their loved one in such a brutal manner.
Middleton’s family has expressed their grief and loss, and they are seeking justice for the violence inflicted on her and her child. Travis Townsend, her partner, shared his sorrow, stating, “I loved my son Kody. I miss him dearly—we all miss him dearly.”