Amy E. Moore, a 48-year-old resident of Normal, Illinois, was fatally shot by her ex-husband, Matthew Moore, on May 29, 2024. The incident occurred at her home, where Matthew illegally entered the premises, shot Amy, and then killed himself. Amy was transported to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The tragedy was the culmination of a prolonged and volatile period in the couple's divorce proceedings, which began in 2022. During this time, Amy had filed multiple emergency orders of protection against Matthew due to his escalating behavior, including online harassment and physical threats. Despite these orders, the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges against Matthew on several occasions, even when police reports indicated potential violations of the orders of protection.
Matthew's behavior became increasingly erratic as the divorce proceedings progressed. He had been arrested for a tire-slashing incident in October 2023 and was sentenced to probation, restitution, and community service in March 2024. He was also ordered to undergo mental health and substance abuse screenings. However, these measures did not prevent the tragic outcome. Matthew had managed to purchase a handgun in Iowa, taking advantage of less restrictive gun laws, despite his FOID card being revoked in Illinois following the initial order of protection.
The community of Bloomington-Normal was deeply affected by Amy's death, given her role as a beloved second-grade teacher at Grove Elementary School. She was remembered for her dedication to her students, her family, and her community. In the aftermath of her death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by her brother, Tom Burns, to create a financial safety net for her three sons, Anderson (12), Beckett (11), and Crew (7), who were left parentless. The campaign quickly raised over $270,000, reflecting the strong support from the community.
The incident has sparked significant community dialogue on domestic violence and the need for more effective measures to protect victims of such violence. The family and friends of Amy Moore have expressed their grief and frustration, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed Matthew's behavior to escalate without adequate consequences.
