Man arrested in slaying of daughter, 18

1/28/2005

MIDDLE POINT, Ohio - A 57-year-old was arrested in the shooting death of his 18-year-old daughter yesterday morning.

Jessica Moore died at Van Wert County Hospital shortly after Van Wert County sheriff's deputies found her lying with a gunshot wound in the backyard of her residence on East Jackson Street in Middle Point yesterday at about 7:30 a.m.

Her adopted father, Richard Moore, was arrested and charged with one count of murder.

Police responded to reports from a witness who heard gunshots at the family's home at about 7:20 a.m. yesterday. Police said they found Mr. Moore standing on a nearby sidewalk surrendering with his hands in the air.

Mr. Moore, who lives at an address on Main Street in Middle Point, is being held at the Van Wert County Correctional Facility.

The Van Wert County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate. Police had not released a motive for the killing.