Shivangi Sinha
In January 1991, when Aileen Wuornos was arrested on suspicion of multiple murders, the police were also searching for another person. It was Tyria Moore, Aileen’s girlfriend at the time, who was initially believed to be involved in the crimes. However, Moore played a crucial role in the investigation, cooperating with authorities in exchange for immunity. Her testimony proved pivotal to the case. Even while on death row, Aileen professed her love for her. In Netflix’s ‘Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers,’ archival footage and public statements from Moore are featured to shed light on her part in the story.
Tyria Moore Worked With the Police to Elicit a Confession From Aileen Wuornos
Aileen Wuornos and Tyria Moore first met in 1986. At the time, Aileen was 30 years old, while Moore was 26 and working as a motel maid. Their first encounter took place at a Daytona Beach gay bar called Zodiac, where they began dating shortly after. For Aileen, this relationship was deeply significant, and she described it as the one that defined her life. The two eventually moved in together, with Aileen working as a sex worker to support them both. In 1987, they were questioned by the police regarding a fight, and that same year, Moore was listed as a witness in an incident where Aileen alleged she had been assaulted. These cases did not result in any charges against the two women.
In July 1990, while investigating the murder of Peter Siems, police received a tip from a woman who claimed she had seen two women involved in a car crash linked to Siems’ vehicle. She provided descriptions, and once the photos were circulated in the media, the women were identified as Aileen and Moore. Following Aileen’s arrest a day before, on January 10, 1991, police located and arrested Moore in Pittston, Pennsylvania. She struck a deal for immunity in exchange for her cooperation and was placed in a motel. Under police guidance, she began calling Aileen, who was in custody, to obtain a confession. During their conversations, Moore expressed fear of being implicated, while Aileen professed her love for her. Ultimately, the latter said that she would confess to everything to keep Moore out of trouble and admitted to the murders.
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Tyria Moore Has Been Leading a Happily Married Life Since 2016
Tyria Moore served as a key witness for the prosecution during Aileen Wuornos’ January 1992 trial for the murder of Richard Charles Mallory. The recorded phone conversations between her and Aileen were played in court, and Moore testified that she had known about Aileen’s criminal activities but had not taken any action. While Aileen claimed that she had acted in self-defense, Moore stated that she had never heard Aileen mention that during their time together. When questioned about how she could have stayed with a killer for so long, Moore explained that she had been blinded by love and saw no other way out.
In the years since, many researchers who have examined Aileen’s case have maintained that Moore’s involvement, and her decision to protect herself, had a greater impact on the case than was initially understood. Some have alleged that there was more to Moore’s role than was revealed. Reports indicate that she had signed deals for books and films about the case following the trial, though none appear to have materialized. According to some sources, she entered the witness protection program, but she largely maintained a private life for a long time.
After spending many years away from the public eye, Tyria Moore appears to have found peace and companionship in her personal life. On May 23, 2016, she married Joyce Karchner, and the two have shared many happy years together since. They celebrate holidays and small occasions with their close friends and family, always marked by the lighthearted humor and playfulness Moore is known for among those who know her well. Their dog, Lazer, holds a special place in their lives and is treated like their child. Moore seems to have been linked to Ohio State University in the past, but the couple is likely retired now. In 2020, they bought a Chevrolet Trax together and have built a quiet, fulfilling life away from the spotlight in Pennsylvania.
