On January 20, 1994, the community of New Plymouth, Idaho, was struck by a tragedy that would leave a lasting impact. Ronald Feldner, a 29-year-old White / Caucasian male and a dedicated police officer with the New Plymouth Police Department, was fatally shot while on duty. Officer Feldner, who also served as the local high school's DARE officer, was investigating a suspicious vehicle at the school when the incident occurred.
Unaware that the car was occupied, he approached it and was shot by one of the individuals inside.
The investigation into Officer Feldner's death quickly led to the apprehension of a suspect, a 14-year-old boy named James Bobby Lee Moore. Moore was ultimately charged as an adult with first-degree murder for the shooting of Officer Feldner. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to a term of 25 years to life in prison. The senseless act of violence left a profound void in the lives of his wife and four young sons.
Years later, in October 2018, James Bobby Lee Moore, then 38 years old, became eligible for parole. His parole hearing drew significant attention, with members of the law enforcement community and the Feldner family present to oppose his release. During the hearing, Moore expressed remorse and apologized to the Feldner family, stating, "I am someone who did something at one point in my life that I can't undo.” Despite his plea, the parole board denied his request, with a subsequent hearing scheduled in three years. The legacy of Officer Feldner continues to be honored, with his son Chance following in his footsteps and becoming a Boise Police Officer to carry on his father's commitment to service.
