Strangled!

An autopsy has determined that Department of Correctional Services (DCS) official Reverend Orville Moore, who was believed to have lost his life in an unfortunate motor vehicle accident along Spur Tree in Manchester last month, died of strangulation.

With this fresh information, Fitz Bailey, deputy commissioner of police in charge of the crime portfolio, has indicated that the probe into the death of the 53-year-old deputy commissioner of the DCS is not closed.

Bailey said the autopsy took place yesterday, less than two weeks after Moore’s body was found.

“It is not really surprising to us (result) because as we reported previously that we did not suspect any foul play in his death. The fact is we are still conducting our investigation,” Bailey said.

The senior crime-fighter said the police were still without evidence that a third party was travelling with him or at the location of the crime.

“We are appealing to anyone from the public who has any information to call us and share those information,” Bailey said.

The police are asking anyone with information to call 881 NIB Tip line 311 Crime Stop or 119.

Moore’s family was always sceptical about the initial information being relayed about how he met his demise.

His wife, Sandra-Dean Moore, said their family was waiting for the authorities to tell them the truth about how her husband died.

“As a family, we are thankful for your support and we are also awaiting the authorities to tell us the truth. As soon as we hear the truth, you will know the truth,” Moore told The Gleaner as she worshipped with congregants of the Santa Cruz Holiness Christian Church in St Elizabeth recently.

Moore served as the church’s host pastor until the time of his death.

The family had requested an independent autopsy.

Reports are that Moore was last seen leaving his relative’s home off Molynes Road on Monday, May 29.

He was reportedly driving a Silver Fortuner, licence plate 1626JN.

All efforts to locate Rev Moore since then failed and he was found dead in Manchester on June 1.

He was found in the Spur Tree bushes near the mangled vehicle.

Investigators had initially ruled his death the result of a crash.

The Gleaner tried without success to speak with Bailey on the change as calls to his cell phone went unanswered.

In the meantime, the DCS continues to mourn the loss of the clergyman.

“It is a very challenging time for all of us at the Department of Correctional Services and the family of Reverend Moore. We send sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” Dr Marc Thomas, acting commissioner of corrections, had said on learning of Moore’s death.

Counselling has been provided for members of the DCS staff.

Moore began working with the DCS on February 1, 2003 as a probation officer.

He was appointed on October 1, 2004.

He was then promoted on October 1, 2017, to chief probation aftercare officer.

He was later assigned deputy commissioner, Rehabilitation and Probation Aftercare Services (acting) on May 12, 2023.

A senior manager at DCS told The Gleaner that several theories have been banded about.

“At least some truth is coming to light. Crime scene photos, which are out there alone, would point to something other than a crash. Nobody was buying that crash argument. When did this crash happen? And nobody saw the vehicle going over the precipice? Crashes happen out there regularly and they are always captured, so what was different with this?” said the DCS manager, who requested anonymity.

The police, however, have video footage of Moore traversing the roadway with no indication of any other individual travelling with him.

Police investigators believe he died of strangulation by hanging.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com