Aubrie Moore

Aubrie Nicole Moore, a 4-year-old White girl from Middle Point, Ohio, was remembered by her family as being full of love and joy. Described as smart beyond her years, she loved attending her pre-school class at the Van Wert Early Childhood Center. Her favorite activities included drawing, painting, riding her bike, and spending time on family adventures. She especially enjoyed riding on the 4-wheeler with her father, Curtis Moore, and watching the movie "Frozen" with her mother, Kati Burgoon.

On the afternoon of April 9, 2020, a tragic accident occurred at the family's home. The Van Wert County Sheriff's Department received a 911 call at approximately 1:30 p.m. reporting that a young girl had been shot. First responders from Middle Point EMS rushed Aubrie to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

An investigation by the sheriff's department and the county coroner's office followed. An autopsy performed by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office determined that Aubrie died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The investigation revealed that the little girl had gained access to a handgun inside the residence, and the preliminary report described the manner of death as a "suspected accident." The county prosecutor stated that while the incident appeared to be a tragic accident, the investigation would continue to determine if negligence was a factor.

Following the investigation, Aubrie’s parents, Kaitlyn Burgoon and Richard Curtis Moore, were charged with endangering children, a third-degree felony. At their arraignment in June 2020, both entered pleas of not guilty. Three months later, in September 2020, they pleaded guilty to amended charges of endangering children, which were first-degree misdemeanors.

In December 2020, a judge sentenced both parents for their roles in their daughter's death. Richard Curtis Moore was sentenced to two years of community control, 93 days in jail, 90 days of electronic house arrest, 100 hours of community service, and one year of intensive probation. He was also ordered to undergo mental health and substance assessments. Kaitlyn Burgoon was also sentenced to a short jail term, house arrest, and intensive probation. The case was closed following the sentencing in December 2020.