Akeem Moore West Palm Beach FL Obituary-Death: Minister Remembered After Fatal Ontario Place Shooting

Moore was identified as the victim of the fatal shooting that occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, September 27, 2026, along the 500 block of Ontario Place in West Palm Beach. Police were alerted to gunfire in the area and began responding to the scene.

While officers were on their way, Moore was driven to a nearby fire station after suffering a gunshot wound. He was then transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Moore later died from his injuries.

His death has deeply affected Mount Calvary Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, where he served as Minister of Worship. Church officials remembered him as a committed servant, preacher and ministry leader whose work extended across several areas of the congregation.

Moore was involved with the church’s Evangelistic Outreach, Technology and Social Media Ministries in addition to his role in worship. His responsibilities reflected a combination of his religious commitment, communication skills and willingness to serve wherever he was needed.

In a statement following his death, Mount Calvary Baptist Church described Moore as a dedicated and inspiring preacher of the Gospel. Church leaders highlighted his discipline in study, devotion to ministry and commitment to service, while also expressing the deep affection felt for him by the congregation.

The church also described Moore as someone who came from a strong and respected family in the community. His death has therefore affected not only members of the congregation but also people who knew his family and had encountered him through his ministry and community involvement.

Moore’s connection to ministry extended beyond his work at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. A 2024 podcast appearance described him as a Riviera Beach native and a pastor of worship in South Florida. He spoke publicly about his Christian calling and the role faith played in shaping his life.

His background also included music. Moore had been associated with the group Justified and had performed in Christian music settings, giving him another avenue through which he connected with audiences and expressed his faith.

For those who knew him, the combination of ministry, music and community service formed an important part of his identity. His work placed him in contact with people both inside and outside the church, allowing his influence to extend beyond Sunday worship services.

The circumstances of his death have added another layer of grief for those who knew him. A life devoted to faith and service was suddenly interrupted by violence, leaving loved ones to process the loss while authorities continue working to establish the full circumstances of the shooting.

West Palm Beach police arrested 38-year-old Hugh Earp Milner Jr. in connection with the incident. Authorities said he was located in Broward County with assistance from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and was being held there pending extradition to Palm Beach County.

According to police, Milner faces charges including first-degree murder with a firearm, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and shooting into an occupied vehicle. Authorities said a second adult was targeted during the incident but was not injured. The charges are allegations, and the defendant remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

Investigators have continued examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police have asked anyone with information about what happened to contact the West Palm Beach Police Department or Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers.

Amid the investigation, Moore’s church and community have focused on remembering the person he was rather than allowing the circumstances of his death to define his entire story.

For Mount Calvary Baptist Church, his absence will be felt in worship, outreach and the many ministry responsibilities he carried. His congregation has described him as someone who was loved and whose presence will be greatly missed.

For his family and friends, the loss is even more personal. The sudden death of a 31-year-old leaves behind memories of a life that was still unfolding and a future that those close to him expected to see continue.

As West Palm Beach mourns, Akeem Moore’s legacy remains closely connected to the faith, music, ministry and service that shaped his life. His church community is now left to remember his voice, his commitment and the contribution he made during the years he spent serving others.

The investigation into the Ontario Place shooting remains active, but for those who knew Moore, the immediate focus is on honoring his memory and supporting the family and church community he leaves behind.