The tragic murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in their home has shaken a Maryland community and has left the family “heartbroken.”
Before 26-year-old Denise Middleton and her child were killed, the suspect, Torrey Moore, was formally charged with killing 61-year-old Ayelew Wondimu, who was an employee at a local gas station. After he killed Wondimu, he was “ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation” at his last bond hearing, according to a FOX 5 report.
He now faces additional murder charges for killing the pregnant woman.
Middleton was nine months pregnant with a baby boy she planned to name Ezekiel, according to the report.
Her family said the victim was “funny, witty, and loving and loved fashion, hair, and makeup.”
Middleton was excited to enter motherhood, they told FOX 5. They are heartbroken that their loved ones were shot and left to die. When she was found dead in her home, her body was in an “advanced stage” of decomposition, according to the report.
The report further states that no one reported that she went missing, nor did anyone report suspicious activity.
“Denise was a walking book of positive affirmations. She always said the nicest things about you when she saw you,” the Middleton family said in a statement. “Always complimenting someone and giving out love. If you had a disagreement with her, she would make sure to make things right. Denise was so loved by her family and so cared for! We are heartbroken that this was her story and reality.”
The statement continued: “We wish our efforts would have brought her back home to us. Denise and Baby Ezekiel is loved and missed by the Middleton Family. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words! This has shaken our family up but has brought us even closer! We will make sure justice is served for her and baby Ezekiel #protectblackwomen”
