Matthew David Moore, a 46-year-old resident of Morgantown, West Virginia, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Born on July 23, 1975, in Morgantown, Moore was known for his talents as an artist and a skilled tattoo artist.
The circumstances surrounding Moore's death were the subject of a significant criminal investigation. Two men, Arlo Romano and Cleotis Cortez-Paul Eppes Jr., were identified as suspects in his murder.
The incident occurred on Round Bottom Road in Monongalia County, where Moore was found deceased.
Arlo Romano, 44, of Morgantown, and Cleotis Cortez-Paul Eppes Jr., 49, from the Detroit area, faced charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. Romano chose to accept a plea agreement shortly before the trial began, pleading guilty to second-degree murder while the kidnapping and conspiracy charges were dropped. As part of this agreement, Romano testified against Eppes during his trial. Romano is scheduled to be sentenced in May 2024 and could face up to 40 years in prison.
Cleotis Cortez-Paul Eppes Jr. was found guilty on all counts by a jury in a seven-day trial that took place from March 5-13, 2024. The trial was presided over by Judge Paul W. Gwaltney. Eppes maintained his innocence throughout the trial and during the mercy phase, where the jury decided whether to grant him a chance for parole after 15 years. However, after hearing additional testimony from Eppes and those close to Moore, the jury declined to grant mercy, ensuring that Eppes will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The prosecution, led by Monongalia County Prosecutor Gabrielle Gabe Mucciola and Assistant Prosecutor Brandon Benchoff, presented a strong case against Eppes. It was argued that Eppes was in Morgantown to supply Moore with thousands of dollars' worth of fentanyl and crack cocaine, which were dangerous and life-threatening substances. The prosecution emphasized that Eppes's actions were knowingly risky and potentially lethal to his customers. The defense, represented by Attorney Christopher Wilson, argued that while Eppes would be incarcerated, this would not stop the flow of drugs into Morgantown, as his role had already been taken by someone else. Despite these arguments, the jury's decision reflected the severity of the crimes committed.
The investigation into Moore's death was meticulous and technologically advanced, led by Detective Steve Currie. A crucial piece of evidence was a cell phone found in the victim's back pocket, which helped track the precise location and ultimately led to the suspects. This detailed investigation was praised by Prosecutor Mucciola, who highlighted the importance of the law enforcement efforts in securing justice for Matthew Moore.
