2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

February 10, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Camden Police Chief Robert Allenbach reported today that authorities are investigating two apparently unrelated homicides that occurred in recent days in Camden. In both cases, investigators are looking into whether the fatal shootings were drug-related.

On Thursday night, Feb. 6, 2003, the body of Thomas D. Moore, M/28, of the 500 block of Hirsch Avenue in Runnemede, was found on the sidewalk in the 1700 block of River Road at approximately 8:33 p.m. Moore was lying next to his black 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. He had been fatally shot.

On Saturday morning, Feb. 8, 2003, the body of a victim, tentatively identified as David L. McCoy, a.k.a. David Mendez, M/37, of the 100 block of North 34th Street in Camden, was found inside a burning car in a wooded area at 32nd Street and Farragut Avenue in the city's Cramer Hill section.

Neighbors noticed the vehicle, McCoy's blue 1990 Jeep Cherokee, burning in the woods and called firefighters at approximately 6:25 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters arrived to find the fire mostly burned out, then discovered the victim's body in the vehicle.

An autopsy revealed that McCoy had been shot before being set on fire. Relatives tentatively identified the victim based on jewelry and other personal effects recovered. Positive identification will require DNA testing. Investigators believe the fire was deliberately set.

Further details are being withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information on either case is asked to call the Camden County Prosecutor's Office at (856) 225-8400 or Camden Police at (856) 757-7400.