Aurora detectives honored for work to free man from prison
Beacon-News Staff October 15, 2012 12:54PM
Aurora police investigators John Munn, left, and Darrell Moore flank Police Chief Greg Thomas.
Updated: November 17, 2012 6:12AM
AURORA — The two detectives who spearheaded an investigation that eventually led to a former Aurora man’s murder conviction being vacated have been honored with state and national awards.
Investigators John Munn and Darrell Moore were recognized this month by both the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Public Defenders Association.
They were honored for reopening the 2000 case in which Jonathan Moore was found guilty in the murder of a 20-year-old Montgomery man.
Munn and Moore were among six honorable mentions during the IACP/Target International Police Officer of the Year Awards at the organization’s national conference in San Diego. The awards recognize members of the law enforcement community for exceptional achievement in any police endeavor including extraordinary valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community relations, traffic safety, drug control and prevention, juvenile programs and training efforts.
The two detectives, along with Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas, also received Awards of Excellence from the Public Defender’s Association. This was the first time that police officers received the award from the organization, which is comprised of public defenders from across the state.
In April 2011, Munn and Moore received information from a confidential informant that Moore, who was 20 when he was convicted, was not involved in the shooting. They re-interviewed prior witnesses and found 10 new people who had information on the case but did not come forward originally.
After conferring with the Kane County state’s attorney throughout the investigation, Jonathan Moore’s conviction was vacated on March 6, 2012.
Munn has been with the Aurora police since March 1998. Moore began his career with Aurora police in December 1996.
