Man pleads guilty to killing David Moore, will avoid death penalty

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The man who gunned down Indianapolis police officer David Moore pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday.

Thomas Hardy on Wednesday changed his plea to guilty for charges of murder, robbery and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. It was part of a plea agreement that would spare him from the death penalty.

Plea deal = death sentence
As part of the agreement accepted by Judge Mark Stoner, Hardy, who is 61 years old, will be sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 40 additional years for robbery and possession of a firearm. He also waived his rights to appeal the sentence or conviction.

He will be formally sentenced April 5th.

Hardy told the court he intentionally killed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Moore in January 2011.

"This is your life. Your freedom at stake," Stoner said as he asked Hardy if he was accepting the plea agreement out of his own free will.

"Yes I am," Hardy said.

Curry ultimately remarked Hardy would die behind bars.

Intent to Kill

Police say Moore pulled over Hardy because he had a tail light out. As part of the traffic stop, Moore discovered the vehicle was a stolen vehicle. Hardy admitted to shooting at Moore seven times, striking him five times. Four bullets struck Moore in the front of his body, and the fifth gunshot was to the back of Moore's neck. Evidence shows Hardy was moving toward Moore while firing and admitted in court he intended to kill Officer Moore.

"The bottom line as to what occurred here today is, Mr. Hardy admitted he intentionally killed officer David Moore and for that he will die in prison" said Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry.

Parents Strive for Compassion
Prosecutors had planned to seek the death penalty Hardy. That changed last month when Hardy's attorneys said their client wanted to reach a plea agreement.

"Once Mr. Hardy had asked for compassion from us, it was our duty to provide it," said Spencer Moore.

Moore's parents spoke at a news conference following the hearing.

"It's hard to be a survivor," Jo Moore Said, " I'm glad we're coming out of this the best we can"
His father Spencer said the guilty plea and the fact Hardy is remorseful for the killing helps the family cope with the death.

"We can now begin to rebuild our lives a little bit and honor the legacy of David Moore."

Hardy threatens media

Before entering court on Wednesday, Hardy had choice words for reporters gathered at the City-County Building for his hearing.

"If you get in my face, I'm going to spit on you," Hardy told reporters.