WEST PALM BEACH — The Rev. Akeem Moore died a hero, West Palm Beach Police Chief Antonio Araujo said Wednesday.
The 31-year-old minister at Mount Calvary Baptist Church drove a second victim of the shooting that killed him early Sunday to a nearby fire station before succumbing to his injuries, Araujo said. That act saved the other person's life.
"Akeem should be remembered as a hero," Araujo said during a Sept. 30 press conference. "Even after being shot, he acted selflessly and courageously."
"His death is a heartbreaking loss, and we recognize the profound pain this tragedy has caused throughout our community," Araujo added. "We are committed to conducting a thorough and complete investigation seeking justice on the King's behalf."
The chief's
remarks drew tears from Moore's mother, Maria, who attended the news conference at the Mandel Library. She wept surrounded by family members as Moore's older brother wrapped his arms around her.
Man facing murder charge rapped on car's window before firing gun
According to investigators, Moore and another passenger were parked along the 500 block of Ontario Place in West Palm Beach, near Cardinal Newman High School, just after midnight on Sunday, Sept. 27. At about 12:30 a.m., Hugh Earp Milner Jr. approached the passenger side of the car and began striking the window.
The passenger recognized Hugh and believed he was mistaking them for someone else, Araujo said.
Police said Miller then pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed Moore and the passenger.
Araujo said Moore lowered the passenger-side window and told Miller they were not the people he was looking for.
Moore began reversing the car out of the parking lot when Miller opened fire, shooting multiple times as the vehicle drove on Ontario Place.
Moore told the passenger he had been shot. The pair noticed blood on Moore's back and called 911 before Moore reached the fire station.
Paramedics rushed Moore to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Police used Flock camera technology and license-plate readers to identify the black Hyundai Elantra that police say Miller used to flee the scene.
Investigators tracked the vehicle to Broward County, where deputies located the car and arrested Miller.
Police said Miller, who investigators believe was homeless, is facing charges including first-degree murder with a firearm. He is in the Broward County Jail, awaiting extradition to Palm Beach County.
The Rev. Akeem Moore was pursuing master of divinity degree at PBA
Moore was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Araujo said
Moore's death has sent shockwaves through Palm Beach County's faith community, where he was known as a pastor, musician and mentor, even as a child.
"Akeem had true talent that was given from God. He was born with it," said Malik Brown, Moore's cousin. "You could teach somebody to play basketball. You could teach somebody to play football, but you can't teach him to control rooms of 200, 300 people at seven years old."
"He had he had absolutely nothing to do with any other any other people's domestic situations or anything," Brown said. "He was completely innocent in the situation."
Valentina Palm covers immigration and breaking news for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Minister drove victim to safety after being fatally shot, chief says
