Sheriff Charles W. Moore

Sheriff Charles W. Moore

Noble County Sheriff's Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, November 20, 1923

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Charles W. Moore

Sheriff Moore was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men who were creating a disturbance at 2:00 am.

The two men had been drinking while driving through nearby towns before getting into an accident near Sheriff Moore's home. They continued causing a disturbance that awakened the sheriff, who dressed and went outside to investigate. As he spoke with the two suspects, one of them suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire. One of the rounds struck Sheriff Moore in the head, killing him. Both suspects were arrested and charged with Sheriff Moore's murder.

In one of the most sensational trials in Ohio's history, both suspects accused each other of having fired the fatal shot. They were both found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Both were later pardoned; one by Governor George White on December 23, 1934, and the other by Governor John W. Bricker on March 1, 1940.

Sheriff Moore had served as sheriff for only 1 year. He was survived by his wife and several children. One of his sons also served as a deputy and assisted in the arrest of one of the suspects.

Bio

  • Age 51
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Both pardoned in 1934 and 1940

disturbance

Most Recent Reflection

View all 15 Reflections

Sheriff Charles W. Moore was my great grandfather. Because he was taken in death at the prime of his life, I did not get to know him. As a child I was told many stories about his love of people and his home. He was large in stature but had a large heart for kind acts he bestowed on the people he met. I like many cousins did not realize the killer and his accomplice were pardoned by our Governors. I cannot find the reasons for those acts. As a youth growing up in Caldwell, many people told me stories about great grandpa Moore and I am proud they knew him.

Donald W. Moore
Great grandson

August 21, 2023

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