IMPD Officer David Moore's murderer to be sentenced Thursday

The family of an IMPD officer who was murdered will hopefully receive some closure.

Thomas Hardy, 61, will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Hardy pleaded guilty last month to shooting IMPD Officer David Moore during a traffic stop last January.  As a part of the plea deal, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry will not go after the death penalty.

Instead, Hardy will be sentenced to life in prison without parole, due to aggravating circumstances of a lengthy criminal history and the nature of the offense.  Additionally, he will also receive an additional 40 years for robbery and firearm charges. 

Moore's family agreed to the plea agreement.  His father, retired IMPD officer Spencer Moore, said the plea agreement does not indicate a weakening in the punishment for those who take violent actions against officers.  He said by showing compassion, “we honor our son and his fellow officers.” 

Fox59 spoke with Prosecutor Curry about the courage Moore’s family has shown over the past year. 

“We’re comfortable with the decision, and certainly from our perspective just like the Moore’s, it will be nice to have that finality and resolution that will ensure Hardy will remain in prison for the rest of his life,” said Curry.

Moore's parents are expected to make statements before Hardy is sentenced.

Hardy will not be able to appeal either his conviction or his sentence as a condition of the plea agreement.