Maryland Man Convicted of Murders, Including Pregnant Girlfriend

In a chilling case that has shocked the community, Torrey Damien Moore, a 34-year-old Maryland resident, has been convicted of multiple murders, including that of his pregnant girlfriend, Denise Middleton, and a convenience store clerk, Ayalew Wondimu.

The case has drawn attention due to the disturbing nature of the crimes and the legal precedents it has set.

The Murder of Denise Middleton

In October 2022, Moore fatally shot his live-in girlfriend, Denise Middleton, who was 8.5 months pregnant with their son, already named Ezekiel. Surveillance footage captured Moore pushing Middleton into an elevator on the day of the murder. After the shooting, Moore lived with Middleton’s decomposing body in their shared apartment for nearly a month. During this time, he conducted internet searches on corpse decomposition and body disposal methods, and researched pleading insanity.

The Killing of Ayalew Wondimu

On December 8, 2022, Moore entered a convenience store across the street from his apartment and engaged in an argument with 61-year-old clerk Ayalew Wondimu over a bottle of iced tea. Moore shot Wondimu multiple times, including after he had fallen to the floor. Following the shooting, Moore returned to his apartment. His arrest led police to discover Middleton’s remains in his apartment.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing for the Maryland Man

The Maryland man was convicted in 2023 for Wondimu’s murder and in 2024 for the murders of Middleton and her unborn child. He received three consecutive life sentences. This case marked the first conviction in Montgomery County for the murder of an unborn child. Moore’s defense cited long-standing mental illness, but the court emphasized the gravity of his actions. Moore did not testify or speak at sentencing.

Community Impact and Legal Significance

The case has had a profound impact on the community and has set legal precedents regarding the prosecution of crimes involving unborn children. It has also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues and the potential consequences of untreated mental illness.

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