The investigation of the July 16 murder/suicide on Seventh Street in Seal Beach is continuing as details trickle out about what actually happened inside Los Alamitos Police Capt. Rick Moore’s apartment that night. What is known, so far, is that Moore shot Amanda Jensen, 37, three times with his personal .38 weapon. He then turned the gun on himself.
Neighbors around 7th Street and Central Avenue reported hearing arguing. Jensen called 911, but the line went dead. Neighbors heard gunshots.
When the police entered the apartment in the early morning hours (after first sending in a robot and then a police dog) they found two dead bodies. Seal Beach Police Sgt. Michael Henderson confirmed that the initial autopsy report revealed that Moore, 49, was the shooter. Toxicology reports have not been completed.
The killings left friends and neighbors stunned. How could it happen that a high-ranking local police captain killed his former girlfriend, who was the city clerk of nearby Westminster?
Soon after the slayings it came to light that Moore and Jensen had often been spotted arguing, and yelling loud enough that several neighbors could hear. Neighbors thought the pair had broken up, or were in an on-again, off-again relationship.
Then the Garden Grove Police confirmed that Jensen and Moore were known to the department. Jensen, who lived in Garden Grove, had the Garden Grove Police to her house three times. Police were called to Jensen’s home three times from September, 2016 to June 3 of this year, each time for domestic disputes. Twice, Jensen told police that Moore had struck her.
The June 3 incident was investigated by the District Attorney’s office.
It turned into a “She said, he said” case, authorities said, and there was not enough evidence to pursue charges.
About a year earlier, the DA investigated after Westminster police received an anonymous letter asking them to investigate Moore for domestic abuse. The DA interviewed Moore and Jensen. Jensen stated that Moore had never assaulted her, authorities said.
Calls to Los Alamitos Police Chief Eric Nunez were not returned at presstime. Moore was the No. 2 officer in the department, under Nunez.
It appears that domestic violence could have been the motive for the crime, but with both people dead, that lead is hard to follow. However, with documented calls to law enforcement, it is hard to dismiss the domestic violence allegations.
Interval House, a Seal Beach shelter for women and children fleeing abusive situations, stepped up immediately to help the community understand why violent relationships exist.
To that end, Interval House is holding a workshop/informational meeting on Monday, July 31, in Seal Beach from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church at 10th Street and Central Avenue.
Jensen’s family has set up a gofundme page to help with expenses and her three children. This is the link: https://www.gofundme.com/amanda-jensen.
On the page, they state, “A terrible tragedy has hit the family of Amanda Jensen as her life was so abruptly taken. She was a loving mother leaving behind three amazing children Dylan, Hannah and Emma. She had a huge heart, a strong spirit, and a smile and laugh that could light a room. Devoted to her job and family, she will be missed beyond words could describe. This tragedy has hit the children, her family, friends and the community hard. Due to the overwhelming support of community this page was created on behalf of her and in support of her children. We appreciate the support of everyone. All funds are to go to her children and in their support for living expenses, college, medical bills, and overall future. Funeral services will be posted at a later time.”
