A 17-year-old girl from SeaTac, Washington, has been sentenced to the maximum term allowed under juvenile law for the hit-and-run death of Greg Moore. The tragic incident occurred in July 2021 while Moore, a 53-year-old father of three, was jogging near his Maple Valley home. The teen, who was 15 at the time of the crime, will remain in custody until she turns 21.
The sentencing follows the girl’s guilty plea in King County Juvenile Court to second-degree hit-and-run murder. This charge stemmed from the incident involving Moore. She also pleaded guilty to a separate hit-and-run charge in Des Moines the day before Moore’s death. The sentence, the longest possible for a juvenile offender her age facing these charges, will be served through the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Juvenile Rehabilitation program at the Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie.
The Tragic Events of July 2021
The events leading up to Greg Moore’s death began on July 17, 2021, with a hit-and-run incident in Des Moines. While driving a 2004 Toyota Camry, the teen struck a man, whose identity remains unknown despite investigations and witness interviews. Cellphone video evidence confirmed her involvement in this incident. The following day, July 18, 2021, she struck and killed Greg Moore while driving the same vehicle. According to a witness, the girl targeted Moore, attempting to “bump” him with the car to scare him. Moore was later found deceased in a ditch near Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.
A Lengthy Road to Justice
The investigation into Moore’s death took approximately eight weeks. King County Sheriff’s Office detectives pieced together the events using headlight fragments from the scene, video surveillance footage, and other evidence, eventually identifying the Toyota Camry involved. The teen, who had taken the car without her godmother’s permission or knowledge, was subsequently arrested in September 2021. She initially pleaded not guilty.
The case faced numerous delays, including requests from the defense for additional time to prepare their case and explore mitigating factors. The reassignment of the original public defender further contributed to the protracted legal process. The case finally concluded with the teen’s guilty plea in March 2023, nearly 18 months after her arrest.
Family Seeks Closure, Questions Justice System
While the family of Greg Moore expressed relief at the conclusion of the legal proceedings, they also voiced their frustration and questioned the fairness of the outcome. Michelle Moore, Greg’s widow, stated that true closure remains elusive. She and her family had advocated for the case to be tried in adult court, where a conviction could have resulted in a significantly longer sentence. They believed that the teen’s actions warranted a first-degree murder charge, arguing that the speed at which she was driving indicated intent to cause serious harm.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office explained that the decision to pursue a second-degree murder charge was based on the absence of premeditation. The “felony murder” theory, under which the teen was charged, posits that the death occurred during the commission of a felony, in this case, assault with a motor vehicle. The assault charge in the Des Moines hit-and-run was dropped in exchange for the guilty plea in Moore’s death.
A Family’s Grief and a Plea for Change
During the sentencing hearing, family members delivered powerful impact statements, expressing their grief and anger. Laureen Moore Bray, Greg’s sister, held the teen fully responsible for the crime, rejecting any attempts to blame external circumstances. She called for the maximum sentence and emphasized the need for the teen to understand the devastating consequences of her actions.
Michelle Moore, in her statement, presented two potential paths for the teen’s future. One involved genuine remorse, rehabilitation, and a commitment to becoming a responsible citizen. The other depicted a continued life of crime and violence, ultimately leading to further incarceration. She concluded by reading a birthday letter from Greg, highlighting the profound loss her family has suffered.
Looking Ahead
The sentencing of the teen driver brings a legal end to this tragic case. However, for the family and friends of Greg Moore, the pain of his loss endures. The case also raises questions about the juvenile justice system and its ability to adequately address serious crimes committed by young offenders. Michelle Moore’s call for increased community involvement and a renewed focus on law and order reflects the broader societal debate surrounding criminal justice reform.
Greg Moore. COURTESY PHOTO, Moore family
Greg Moore, a beloved husband, father, and community member, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident. His family continues to seek justice and advocate for changes within the legal system.
