Inyo County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch: Friday, July 4, 1879
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 3 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 4, 1879
Weapon Used: Handgun; .44 caliber
Suspect Info: Convicted
Sheriff Moore was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight at a local saloon. The sheriff was talking with several county officials about 4th of July activities when they heard about a disturbance at the saloon. Sheriff Moore rushed over and found two men who were about to engage in a gun duel with each other. Sheriff Moore got in-between the men as they both drew their guns and one shot and killed him.
Both men were arrested and charged with Sheriff Moore's murder. One was convicted of second degree murder and sent to San Quentin State Prison. He was released on April 2, 1891.
Sheriff Moore had served as sheriff for 16 months. He had been appointed sheriff following the murder of Sheriff Thomas Passmore on February 10, 1878.