Corey Michael Moore was a cherished son, a devoted father, and a beloved friend known for his generosity, warmth, and easy-going nature. Born on April 1, 1987, at Fort Benning, Georgia, the 39-year-old was the dear son of Donna Moore and a proud, loving father to his son, Corey Michael Moore Jr., known as Isaac, who was the light of his life. Corey grew up in Beulah, Alabama, and shared a close bond with his sister, Elizabeth Johnson, and his brothers, Matthew and Leslie Johnston.
A 2005 graduate of Beulah High School, he earned a degree in automotive and electrical fields from Southern Union. A gifted mechanic since high school, Corey loved working with his hands, a passion that extended to building computers. He was also a lifelong band member whose musical talents brought joy to many. Remembered for his gracious spirit and infectious smile, Corey was a friend to everyone he met, always ready to lend a helping hand. His family was his greatest treasure.
On the night of Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a 911 call brought deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office to a remote stretch of road in the Salem community. At approximately 8:13 p.m., a caller reported seeing two vehicles stopped in the roadway in the 9100 block of Lee Road 379, just north of the Long Bridge over Lake Harding. The caller told dispatchers they heard what sounded like a gunshot after passing the cars. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found two men on the ground near their vehicles, which were parked very close together. Both men had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were unresponsive.
Emergency responders and the Lee County Coroner were dispatched to the scene. Corey Michael Moore was pronounced dead at 8:50 p.m. from his injuries. The second man, a 29-year-old from Pine Mountain, Georgia, was found in critical condition. Paramedics administered life-saving measures before he was transported by ground to East Alabama Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. His condition was later described as critical but stable.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office immediately began an investigation into the deadly encounter. Sheriff Jay Jones stated that evidence recovered and documented at the scene indicated that the two men had engaged in a shootout. Investigators found two handguns at the scene, located in close proximity to each of the men. "We don’t believe there is a threat to anyone else. It was an isolated incident involving these two individuals,” Sheriff Jones told reporters. He also mentioned that investigators had located and were interviewing individuals who had some knowledge of what occurred. The motive for the confrontation and the circumstances that led to the exchange of gunfire remained under investigation.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Corey's body was transported by the Lee County Coroner’s Office to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a postmortem examination. His family, served by Valley-Point Funeral Home & Crematory, announced that a celebration of Corey's life would be planned at his residence in Salem. They suggested that in honor of his generous nature, donations could be made to a charity of one's choice. Corey was predeceased by his grandparents, Alice and Arnold Moore, a niece, and an aunt. He left behind his parents, son, siblings, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives who cherished him deeply.
The investigation into the double shooting is ongoing. As of October 2026, no motive had been publicly determined by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Authorities have continued to piece together the events that led to the fatal shootout on Lee Road 379. The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
