Thomas Hardy gets life in prison for Officer David Moore's murder

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Marion County judge on Thursday sentenced Thomas Hardy to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering Indianapolis police officer David Moore.

Thomas Hardy, 61, pleaded guilty March 14 to killing Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer David Moore in January 2011. Hardy’s plea was part of a plea agreement approved by a Marion County judge. Under the agreement, Hardy avoids the death penalty.

Hardy was sentenced to 40 years in prison in addition to life without parole. He'll serve his time in Michigan City.

ONLINE EXTRA | Timeline of Officer Moore Shooting
TWEETS FROM COURT | Reporter Teresa Mackin tweeted from the hearing

Killer speaks in court

Thomas Hardy apologized to the Moore family, but had no explanation for his actions.

Hardy, speaking after many victim statements were read, said he knew he had to say something in court after what happened. He said he hates himself and knows other hate him

“I’m sorry for what transpired,” Hardy said. “What made this transpire, I don’t know. I struggle with that every day.”

Hardy said he prays for David Moore and his family. His attorney, earlier in the hearing, said his client was remorseful and had asked for a Bible to have with him in jail.

“All I can say is that I’m sorry,” Hardy said.

The judge for Thursday’s hearing said he hoped Hardy’s apologies were sincere.

Family talks to murderer

The emotional hearing began promptly at 9 a.m. Thursday with a crowded room. Multiple family members and colleagues spoke directly to Hardy in the court room.

“You meant to kill him,” said Jo Ann Moore, David Moore’s mother. “He was just doing his job.”

A tearful Jo Ann Moore said Hardy’s actions wouldn’t stop her family or the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from moving on and honoring David Moore.

David Moore’s sister was the first to speak, noting she only agreed to the plea agreement to spare her family the turmoil of a long and messy trial.

Department remembers 'warrior'

The court room was filled with IMPD leaders, including Department of Public Safety Frank Straub, who sat next to David Moore’s father.

Colleagues recalled Officer Moore as a man who was a “warrior,” willing to take on shifts in dangerous areas.

“He volunteered to work every Christmas for those officers who had families,” Deputy Chief Scott Hasler said in court.

Background on the case

Hardy shot Moore multiple times during a traffic stop. Moore had pulled over a vehicle Hardy was driving in, under suspicion that it was stolen.

Moore was initially hospitalized but died from his injuries. His family donated his organs.

Hardy, who had a lengthy criminal record, pleaded guilty to charges of murder, robbery and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.