Relatives said Andre Moore had struggled in recent months as investigators work to determine what led to Friday’s fatal encounter.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The family of a 37-year-old father of six is mourning his death after he was shot by police Friday morning in Cape May County, as relatives wait with the public for authorities to explain what led to the deadly encounter.
Andre Moore was shot around 10:30 a.m. near Route 9 and Satt Boulevard in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township. His family spoke about his life and recent struggles after the shooting, while the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into the use of deadly force.
Moore’s sister, Vienna Smith, told Action News that her brother had been struggling with his mental health for months and that relatives had tried to find help for him. She said his difficulties had become progressively worse. The family’s description of Moore’s condition has not been connected by authorities to the circumstances that led to the police shooting.
Smith described her brother as a loving man with a big heart who cared deeply about children. Moore was the father of six, according to his family, and the mother of another child he was expecting also spoke with Action News after his death.
Relatives said Moore’s girlfriend was in the vehicle during the incident and suffered injuries. A medical helicopter was called to the area during the emergency response. Authorities had not released further details about the woman’s injuries or publicly explained how they occurred.
The shooting unfolded in a heavily traveled commercial area near a Walmart Supercenter. Police shut down the area around Route 9 and Satt Boulevard while investigators worked at the scene, creating detours and drawing attention from employees and others nearby. News helicopter footage showed officers gathered around a dark-colored vehicle in the roadway.
People working nearby described hearing the commotion and seeing a rapid police response. The large number of officers and the road closure caused concern in an area where some residents and workers said such scenes are uncommon. Authorities later said the location had been secured and there was no continuing threat to the public.
Despite the visible response, officials have released little about the moments before Moore was shot. Authorities have not publicly explained why officers encountered him, what actions occurred before the shooting or identified the officer or officers who fired. No official account has established whether Moore had a weapon.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office is leading the investigation under state requirements governing deaths during encounters with law enforcement. Middle Township officials have said information about the incident, including identities and any video that is eventually made public, will be released through the state investigation.
For Moore’s relatives, the unanswered questions accompany the immediate loss of a father, brother and expectant parent. Investigators had not released a detailed account of the fatal encounter as of Saturday, leaving the circumstances surrounding his death unresolved while the state review continues.
Author note: Last updated September 26, 2026.