Updated Jan. 31 at 5:24 p.m.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury in the case against a 35-year-old man charged with first-degree murder found him guilty.
Quinton Moore is now guilty of killing 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen, who was shot multiple times while in bed at a residence at 1701 E. 30th in Hutchinson on Sept. 22, 2017.
The jury received the case just after 11 a.m. Thursday following closing arguments. The jury had its verdict just after 4:30 p.m.
District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he wasn’t as prepared for the case coming before a jury, but was happy with the outcome:
There was a suppression motion decided before trial against the defense. It was contended that Moore was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but Schroeder says that was not an issue at trial and no instruction was given to the jury:
The state contended that Moore committed the crime, while the defense contended others could have committed the crime, including Jessica Crowe, who lived with the victim or her brother, Steven Griffith.
Moore didn’t take the stand in his own defense.
With the guilty verdict, Judge Tim Chambers set a special setting for sentencing on March 15.
Moore remains jailed pending that sentencing.
Updated Jan. 30 at 2:42 p.m.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury trial for a 35-year-old man charged with first-degree murder continues in front of District Judge Tim Chambers.
Quinton Moore is accused of shooting and killing 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen while he slept at a residence at 1701 E. 30th in Hutchinson back on Sept. 22, 2017.
This morning, Sgt. Curtis Black was on the stand. Video of Moore’s interrogation was shown. In the video, Detective Black repeatedly asked Moore why he did it. Black even misled Moore in the video by saying officers had the murder weapon with his fingerprints and DNA. Black also told Moore he found blood on the sandals he was wearing. That is legal for suspect interrogation.
After about three hours of questioning, Moore eventually admitted to the shooting and even demonstrated in the video how he did it.
Moore may have killed Allen for allegedly abusing children who lived in the home Allen was killed.
The jury was provided a transcript of the interrogation because Moore was hard to hear in the video.
Before trial, the defense tried to keep the video out, saying Moore may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the interrogation. However, Moore was given a breathalyzer test before questioning and even said he was fine to answer questions.
The case continues with more testimony and could last all week.
Jan. 29
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury trial for a 35-year-old man charged with first-degree murder continues with the state presenting their case.
Quinton Moore is accused of shooting 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen multiple times in his head and neck while Allen slept at a residence at 1701 E. 30th in Hutchinson. This occurring on Sept. 22, 2017.
Moore was staying with Allen and his girlfriend, Jessica Crow when the shooting occurred. Crow apparently called her brother, Steven Griffith who came and got her and Moore at the home after the shooting. Testimony centered on two interviews detectives did with Griffith and how his story changed during those interviews.
The defense also questioned the fact that some messages were deleted off a phone belonging to the Steven Griffith during that period after the killing.
Some statements allegedly made by Moore to Crow and her mother included “he’s dead” and “I shot him in the face.”
Testimony is expected to continue Wednesday.
Original story
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury trial for a 35-year-old man charged with first-degree murder is getting underway in front of District Judge Tim Chambers.
Jury selection in the case against Quinton Moore began Monday morning.
Moore is accused of shooting 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen multiple times in the head and neck while Allen slept at a residence at 1701 E. 30th in Hutchinson. This occurred Sept. 22, 2017.
Moore remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.