Father Arrested After 3-Year-Old Son Fatally Shot in Lincoln County

Father Arrested After 3-Year-Old Son Fatally Shot in Lincoln County

LIBBY, MT — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Tuesday morning south of Libby, where a 3-year-old boy was fatally shot, prompting the arrest of his father on a pending negligent homicide charge, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a 911 call shortly after 10 a.m. reporting a shooting involving a child on Granite Creek Road. Upon arrival, first responders found the child with a gunshot wound to the face.

Sheriff Darren Short confirmed that emergency medical care was administered at the scene before the child was transported to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. Despite lifesaving efforts, the boy, identified as Samuel Arthur Moore, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Following an initial investigation, authorities arrested the child’s father, 24-year-old Timothy Moore. Sheriff Short indicated the shooting appeared to be accidental, but emphasized that the investigation determined sufficient grounds for Moore to be taken into custody.

Moore is currently being held at the Lincoln County Detention Center on $500,000 bond, facing a pending charge of negligent homicide.

Details regarding how the shooting occurred have not yet been released, and the case remains under active investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

This tragic incident has shaken the small community near Libby, with many expressing condolences and calling for greater gun safety awareness, especially around children. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation continues.