34-year-old indicted for killing of Sheffield motel owner

SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) — A 34-year-old charged with the murder of a Sheffield Motel owner was indicted by a grand jury this month, court documents show.

According to Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry, William Jeremy Moore, 34, was arrested for the shooting death of Pravin Raojibhai Patel, the owner of the Hillcrest Motel.

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The indictment alleges Moore shot Patel with a handgun on February 8, causing his death.

Officials said the shooting was the result of an altercation that occurred when Moore came to the property looking to rent a room. Moore pulled a gun and shot Patel before running from the scene, Terry said.

“Moore was quickly apprehended by Sheffield Police on 13th Avenue when he was trying to break into an abandoned house,” the chief said.

When searching Mr. Moore, the murder weapon was found in his possession.  Sheffield City Schools were placed on lockdown for safety measures until Mr. Moore was in custody.

Moore was denied bond by a Colbert County District Judge after a bond hearing on February 13, according to court documents.

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During the hearing, documents show the court heard testimony from Sheffield Detective Brett Evans. He testified there had been witnesses at the hotel who saw Moore flee the scene.

Court records said Evans also testified that video footage showed the incident where it appeared Moore pulled out a gun and shot at Patel. Evans said a total of three shots were fired from the gun.

Moore was reportedly found in an abandoned building.

Moore is being held at the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office.

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