Hardy receives life sentence for murder of IMPD officer in emotional hearing

The man accused of killing an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was sentenced Thursday morning.

Thomas Hardy, 61, received life without parole for the murder and an additional 40 years for robbery and firearm charges.

Hardy pleaded guilty last month to shooting IMPD Officer David Moore during a traffic stop last January.  As a part of the plea deal, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry dismissed the death penalty.

Moore's family agreed to the plea agreement.  His father, retired IMPD officer Spencer Moore, said the plea agreement does not indicate a weakening in the punishment for those who take violent actions against officers.  He said by showing compassion, “we honor our son and his fellow officers.” 

Officer Moore’s family, friends, the IMPD chief of police and many other officers attended the sentencing hearing Thursday.  

Before a judge delivered Hardy’s sentence, some of Moore’s family members took the stand, telling the courtroom the impact the officer’s death had on their lives.  Moore’s mother, Joanne, took the stand and broke down in tears before she could read her statement. 

“You should never have to bury your child,” said Joann Moore, bringing tears to many people’s eyes in the courtroom.  “I’m really horrified, because you executed my son.  He could have survived all of his wounds except for the last gunshot that was shot execution style.” 

Joann went on to say that Lent is a time for forgiveness and asked everyone in the courtroom to try and find forgiveness for Hardy.

“I’m still processing forgiveness…I’m trying,” said Joann. “I need to make sure my soul is whole when I go.” 

After delivering her statement, Moore’s mother handed Hardy a prayer card. The same prayer is listed below:

A Police Officer’s Prayer

Lord I ask for courage

Courage to face and
Conquer my own fears…

Courage to take me
Where others will not go…

I ask for dedication

Dedication to my job, to do it well
Dedication to my community

To keep it safe…

Give me Lord, concern
For others who trust me

And compassion for those who need me…
And please Lord

Through it all
Be at my side…
-Author Unknown


Several of Moore’s fellow officers also took the stand, each explaining how much their relationship with Moore meant to them. 

Commander of the North District Tom Copell called the murder a “cold, callous killing.”  Copell said Moore’s death cut deep within the department.  Deputy Chief Scott Hassler spoke about Moore’s work ethic, stating Moore would volunteer his time to stay on his shift late without accepting payment.  Hassler said Moore was like a son to him and he “is a better man today because he met David.” 

IMPD  Chief Paul Ciesielski called Moore an “honorable warrior” and said his death is a reminder of how to care for your fellow man. 

Following the emotional statement from Moore’s family and colleagues, Hardy turned toward Moore’s loved ones and apologized.

“I struggled with what I wanted to say to the Moore family….I am sorry for what transpired,” said Hardy. “I know you have a lot of hate in your heart for me. I don’t know what transpired. I struggle with it every day and I will for the rest of my life. I can own up to what I did. I pray for your family every day, more than I pray for myself. I pray for forgiveness, but I don’t think it will come. I am sorry for what I’ve done.”

The defense said Hardy struggles with why he shot Moore.  They stated Hardy was abandoned since he was 15-years-old and lived a life filled with crime and drugs. 

Hardy’s attorneys said Hardy was placed under a suicide watch Wednesday night.  The attorneys also thanked the court for not pursuing the death penalty.

“Thank you for your willingness for allowing Hardy to die on God’s time rather than man’s time,” said attorney Ray Casanova.

As part of the agreement, Hardy will not be able to appeal either his conviction or his sentence.

Hardy will serve his life sentence in a Michigan City prison. 

Prosecutor Curry released the following statement Thursday following the sentencing hearing:

“It is clear, based on our evidence and Thomas Hardy’s acknowledgement in the plea documents he agreed to earlier this month, that Hardy senselessly and intentionally killed IMPD Officer David S. Moore while he was doing nothing more than performing his routine duties. 

Absent the resolution this office pursued based on the wishes of the Moore family, we were fully prepared to vigorously prosecute the case against Thomas Hardy, which included seeking the death penalty.  Let me be clear: this office will not in any manner tolerate crimes against our community’s law enforcement and public safety officers.

As I have said from the beginning, Thomas Hardy’s crime was a crime against our entire community.  Nearly everyone in our city has felt the loss of this fine young man in some way.  However, Jo and Spencer Moore, their family, and friends have shouldered this devastating loss with grace and dignity.  

Thomas Hardy will die in prison.  He has the rest of his life to reflect upon his violent acts and the life he took from this family and our community.  But David Moore’s legacy will live on.  We see him in the lives of those he saved through organ donations.  We see him in the work of the foundation that bears his name.  And we see it in the eyes of those who knew and wished they knew him.  The sentencing of Thomas Hardy today gives Jo and Spencer Moore finality and certainty.  I can only hope that it can help them continue to heal and find peace.”