Amanda Jensen, a 37-year-old city clerk for Westminster, California, tragically lost her life on July 16, 2017, in Seal Beach. Jensen was shot to death by her ex-boyfriend, Los Alamitos Police Captain Rick Moore, in his apartment. The incident unfolded after neighbors reported hearing arguing and gunshots. Jensen had called 911, but the line went dead before she could provide further details. When police arrived, they found themselves in a standoff situation, which lasted several hours.
Eventually, a SWAT team entered the apartment and discovered the bodies of Jensen and Moore. Preliminary autopsies confirmed that Moore shot Jensen three times with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun before turning the weapon on himself.
The relationship between Jensen and Moore was marked by volatility and domestic disputes. Police had been called to Jensen's home multiple times in the months leading up to the incident. On two occasions, Jensen reported that Moore had struck her, but there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges. An anonymous letter had also prompted an investigation by the District Attorney's office into allegations of domestic abuse by Moore, but Jensen denied any assault had occurred. Despite these reports, no arrests were made, and the couple continued their tumultuous relationship.
The tragic event left the communities of Westminster and Garden Grove in mourning. Jensen was remembered as a dedicated public servant and a loving mother of three. Her death highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and prompted discussions about the need for better support and intervention for victims. The investigation into the murder-suicide revealed the extent of the couple's troubled relationship, but with both individuals deceased, many questions remained unanswered. The case underscored the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing resources for those in abusive relationships.
