Lawrence Moore and the Oregon Museum Tavern Mass Murder (1981)
Background
Lawrence William Moore carried out one of Oregon's deadliest mass shootings when he attacked patrons inside the Oregon Museum Tavern in Salem, Oregon, on the night of May 7, 1981. Moore, a 25-year-old unemployed mill worker from Scio, Oregon, entered the crowded tavern during a popular ladies' night event armed with a 9mm Browning Hi-Power pistol. Without warning or making any statements, he immediately began firing into the crowd. The attack lasted only a short time but resulted in multiple deaths and numerous serious injuries before several patrons managed to overpower him while he paused to reload his weapon.
The shooting shocked Oregon because it appeared to have no specific motive. Witnesses described complete chaos as customers attempted to flee while Moore continued firing multiple magazines into the crowded bar. Several courageous patrons eventually rushed Moore, striking him with a pool cue and wrestling him to the floor until police officers arrived and took him into custody.
The Attack
The shooting began at approximately 10:30 p.m. on May 7, 1981, inside the Oregon Museum Tavern on Front Street NE in Salem. Moore initially fired toward the bar before turning his gun on customers attempting to escape. He repeatedly reloaded his pistol and continued shooting until patrons intervened.
Three victims died at the scene, while another died later that night from injuries sustained during the attack. A fifth victim survived for decades but ultimately died in 2013 from complications directly related to the gunshot wounds received during the shooting, bringing the official death toll to five people. Eighteen other victims suffered gunshot wounds or other injuries.
Investigators were unable to establish a clear motive. Moore later underwent extensive psychiatric evaluations, and testimony during legal proceedings focused on significant mental health issues and neurological abnormalities.
Victims
- Sharon Ann Gardner – Killed on May 7, 1981, at the Oregon Museum Tavern in Salem, Oregon.
- William Joseph Hull – Killed on May 7, 1981, at the Oregon Museum Tavern in Salem, Oregon.
- Donald Dean Jones – Killed on May 7, 1981, at the Oregon Museum Tavern in Salem, Oregon.
- John Frederick Skoog – Died from gunshot injuries on May 8, 1981, following the shooting in Salem, Oregon.
- Dennis Scharf – Shot during the attack on May 7, 1981, and died on January 12, 2013, from long-term complications caused by his injuries, making him the fifth homicide victim.
Investigation and Conviction
Following his arrest at the scene, Moore was charged with multiple counts of aggravated murder and attempted murder. The case drew statewide attention because of both the number of casualties and questions surrounding Moore's mental condition. Medical experts testified regarding evidence of neurological impairment and psychiatric illness, while prosecutors argued that Moore was legally responsible for his actions.
Moore was ultimately convicted of the murders and numerous attempted murder charges. He received a death sentence, although like many capital cases from that era, his sentence became the subject of lengthy appeals over the following years.
Legacy
The Oregon Museum Tavern shooting remains one of the most significant mass shootings in Oregon history. The attack highlighted the devastating impact a single gunman could have in a crowded public setting and is still remembered for the bravery of patrons who risked their own lives to stop Moore before additional people were killed. The later death of Dennis Scharf in 2013 demonstrated the lasting consequences suffered by survivors, increasing the official death toll decades after the original attack.
