NAVARRE, FL – A Florida woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for orchestrating the murder of her child’s father, who was killed mere hours after a custody decision favored him. The ruling was handed down on Thursday by Santa Rosa Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake, who found Rachiel Moore, 27, guilty of first-degree murder and evidence tampering in the death of 24-year-old Colby Vinson.
Moore’s former stepfather, Jason Curtis, 55, was previously convicted in May for his role in the fatal shooting of Vinson. He received the same sentence: life without parole. Authorities say Moore and Curtis plotted to kill Vinson following a court decision granting him partial custody of their 4-year-old daughter.
Investigators disclosed that communication leading up to Vinson’s death showed Moore urging Curtis to travel from Alabama to Florida, providing him with Vinson’s details and financing his trip. On the night of March 19, 2023, Colby Vinson was shot outside his apartment while his young daughter was present but physically unharmed.
Law enforcement responded to the tragic scene on Navarre Parkway, where Vinson was found deceased from a gunshot wound to the face. The incident marked the first time in about a year that Vinson had the opportunity to spend the night with his daughter after gaining shared custody.
Interviews with Moore’s acquaintances, including her godmother, painted a picture of a bitter custody dispute. Moore’s godmother informed detectives about the tension between the two parents and the recent custody ruling in Vinson’s favor, noting it was a significant point in their ongoing legal battle.
Moore recounted to detectives that after the court’s decision, she discussed the outcome with Curtis, who ominously responded by sending her images of weapons via Facebook Messenger. Despite this, Moore claimed she didn’t expect Curtis to act on the implied threats.
Curtis was apprehended in Alabama after being tracked by investigators. A search of Curtis’s vehicle led to the discovery of what was believed to be the murder weapon and a note with Vinson’s descriptions and addresses.
Both Moore and Curtis face a grim future in prison, leaving behind unresolved questions and emotional scars, particularly for the child at the center of their violent confrontation. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the tragedies that can arise from disputes over custody and familial discord.