Unprecedented: Maryland man found guilty of murdering both his girlfriend and preborn child

A Maryland man has been found guilty of the 2022 murder of his pregnant girlfriend and their preborn child. Torrey Moore, 33, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his pregnant girlfriend, Denise Middleton, and her preborn child. Moore’s conviction marks the first time in Montgomery County a murder charge has been given for the death of a viable preborn child.

Prosecutors say Moore shot Middleton seven times when she was 38 weeks pregnant, just weeks away from giving birth to her first son, whom she had named Ezekiel. He then left her body in their apartment and fled to California for over a month. Police later found Google searches he had made, including “How long does it take for a dead body to smell?” and “How to move a dead body without being seen?”

Moore eventually returned to Maryland and killed a convenience store clerk, which led police to his apartment where they discovered Moore’s decomposing body.

“The story is awful,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said. “There is no way to slice it. This is a terrible case.”

Middleton’s family spoke during a press conference following the conviction.

READ: Woman gets two life sentences for horrific murder of pregnant mom and baby

“My baby sister Denise was a loving and caring person, excited to have her first child, Ezekiel. It is unbelievable that she will never have that opportunity,” said Chinita Coates, Middleton’s sister.

“I miss my baby and never get the chance to meet my grandson,” said Middleton’s father, Dennis Middleton.

“It’s unfortunate that her life was cut so short because it was taken from her. We didn’t lose her, we were robbed of her. We were robbed of Ezekiel. And we are just happy that justice was served,” added her cousin, Taylor Middleton.

Moore has not yet been sentenced; prosecutors are asking for consecutive life sentences.

Author’s Note: If you are a victim of domestic violence, visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE.

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