In the small town of Libby, Montana, a sense of sorrow descended following the tragic death of a young boy. Samuel A. Moore, a three-year-old White male, passed away on May 27, 2025. Born in Kalispell, Montana, on May 18, 2022, Samuel had faced health challenges early in life, having been born prematurely with heart problems. He underwent a successful heart surgery at three months old in Seattle, which greatly improved his health.
Those who knew him described him as a fighter who brought joy to everyone he met with his bright smile and laughter.
Samuel's life was filled with simple pleasures that brought him immense happiness. He cherished taking walks with his mother, Beth M. James, and other family members. He had a fondness for cartoons, with "Paw Patrol" and "Bluey" being among his favorites. Road trips with his grandfather to visit his aunts were special occasions, often highlighted by a stop at McDonald's for apple slices. His cheerful presence and loving nature left a lasting impression on his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The circumstances surrounding Samuel's death led to a swift law enforcement response. On the morning of May 27, 2025, at approximately 10:05 a.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received a report of a child who had been shot at a residence on Granite Creek Road, south of Libby. Upon arrival, deputies and first responders found that Samuel had been accidentally shot in the face. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and his transport to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the incident, an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of Samuel's father, 24-year-old Timothy Moore. He was subsequently charged with felony negligent homicide and held at the Lincoln County Detention Center. Later, the charge was amended to a felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, to which Timothy Moore pleaded not guilty. The community was left to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon, while the legal process began to unfold.
