Family of Springfield man found dead in burning SUV seeks public’s help

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The family of a 50-year-old Springfield man found dead in a burning SUV in a park last week said they believe his death was a murder.

Gary Moore, a father of five, was found in the back seat of the SUV in Sherman Park. Springfield Police Division detectives continue to investigate his death and have told the Springfield News-Sun they consider it a suspicious death.

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Moore’s sister, Angela Hooper, told the Springfield News-Sun on Wednesday that her family is still grieving her brother’s death.

“He was the most generous, kind-hearted person you ever wanted to meet,” she said of her brother. “He loved to cook, listen to music and dance. He would give you his last dollar.”

“No one deserves to go out like he did,” Hooper said.

Hooper said her family isn’t sure who would want to hurt Moore. He worked at an automobile body shop, she said, and wasn’t known to be a part of a criminal organization.

“We have no idea. We have no idea why anyone would do anything to him,” she said.

The last time she saw her brother was about six months ago when their mother was in the hospital, Hooper said.

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She asked that anyone with information about the case come forward and talk to police. The Springfield Police Division can be reached at 937-327-7680.

Springfield police didn’t return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment on the investigation and Clark County Coroner Dr. Richard Marsh said no new updates were available.

He said his office was waiting on an autopsy report and a toxicology report.

The family plans to cremate Moore and hold a memorial for him in lieu of a funeral, Hooper said, adding that the they are considering setting up a Go Fund Me account for the expenses.

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