The West Palm Beach faith community is mourning the death of Akeem Moore, a 31-year-old minister and worship leader who died after being shot on Ontario Place in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Moore served at Mount Calvary Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, where he held several ministry roles and became known for his commitment to worship, preaching, outreach and service.
The fatal shooting occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the 500 block of Ontario Place.
Police have arrested a suspect and the investigation remains active.
Who Was Akeem Moore?
Akeem Moore was a 31-year-old West Palm Beach minister whose life was closely connected with Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
The church identified Moore as its Minister of Worship and said he also served through the congregation’s Evangelistic Outreach, Technology and Social Media ministries.
His work placed him at the center of several areas of church life, from music and worship to outreach and digital ministry.
Those roles reflected a young man whose faith was expressed not only through preaching but also through practical service to his congregation.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Remembers Akeem Moore
Following his death, Mount Calvary Baptist Church released a statement remembering Moore’s dedication to ministry.
The church described him as a committed preacher of the Gospel whose discipline, service and stewardship were visible throughout his ministry.
Church leaders also said he came from a respected family in the community and would be deeply missed by both the congregation and the wider community.
His death has left a significant absence within the church, particularly among those who worshipped, served and worked alongside him.
What Happened to Akeem Moore?
West Palm Beach police said the shooting happened shortly after midnight Sunday in the 500 block of Ontario Place.
Authorities were alerted to gunfire through the city’s ShotSpotter system.
While officers were responding, Moore was taken by private vehicle to a nearby fire station suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency personnel then transported him to an area hospital.
Despite efforts to save him, Moore later died from his injuries.
Akeem Moore Cause of Death
Akeem Moore died after suffering a gunshot wound in the Ontario Place shooting.
Public reporting confirms that he was critically injured by gunfire and later died at a hospital.
A more detailed medical description of his injuries has not been publicly released in the sources reviewed.
For that reason, the most accurate wording is that Moore died from injuries sustained in the shooting.
Where Did the Fatal Shooting Happen?
The shooting occurred in the 500 block of Ontario Place in West Palm Beach, near Cardinal Newman High School.
Police received an alert shortly after midnight and began responding to the area.
The incident prompted an immediate investigation by the West Palm Beach Police Department.
Authorities have not publicly released a confirmed motive in the reporting reviewed.
Suspect Arrested in Connection With Akeem Moore’s Death
West Palm Beach police identified Hugh Earp Milner Jr., 38, as the suspect arrested in connection with the shooting.
Police said Milner was located with assistance from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
He faces charges of:
- first-degree murder with a firearm;
- attempted first-degree murder with a firearm; and
- shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Milner was initially held in Broward County pending transfer to Palm Beach County.
These remain criminal allegations, and the charges will be resolved through the judicial process.
Second Person Targeted in Ontario Place Shooting
Police said the case also involves an attempted first-degree murder charge connected with another adult victim.
Authorities reported no injury to that person.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed extensive details regarding that individual’s identity or the circumstances surrounding the additional charge.
The investigation therefore extends beyond Moore’s death and includes what police allege was an attempted attack on another person.
Investigation Into the Shooting Continues
Although a suspect has been arrested, investigators continue gathering evidence surrounding the Ontario Place shooting.
Police have not publicly announced a confirmed motive or released a complete account of what led to the gunfire.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the case to contact the West Palm Beach Police Department or Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers.
Further details may emerge through police filings and subsequent court proceedings.
Akeem Moore’s Role as Minister of Worship
Moore’s role at Mount Calvary Baptist Church extended significantly into the church’s music ministry.
He helped lead worship and played the organ during services.
A church staff member interviewed by WPTV remembered Moore’s influence on the musical direction of the congregation, particularly his work with the choir and worship program.
His musical ability and ministry leadership meant that his contribution was experienced by worshippers on a regular basis.
More Than a Music Minister
Although Moore was known prominently for worship and music, his responsibilities went beyond the sanctuary.
His participation in evangelistic outreach, technology and social media ministry demonstrates that he served in several areas of the church.
That combination allowed him to contribute spiritually, creatively and technically to Mount Calvary’s mission.
For a young minister of 31, his range of involvement reflected an unusually broad commitment to church service.
West Palm Beach Church Community Mourns
Moore’s death has affected congregants, friends and fellow ministry workers throughout West Palm Beach.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church publicly stated that he was loved and would be missed by the church family and community.
For those who knew him through worship services, ministry activities and personal relationships, the loss is particularly painful because of the regular role he played in church life.
Remembering Akeem Moore Beyond the Shooting
While Moore’s name has entered public attention because of the fatal shooting, those who knew him are remembering a broader life of faith and service.
His years of ministry included preaching, music, outreach, technology and communication.
The church’s public tribute emphasizes his dedication and commitment rather than focusing only on the violent circumstances surrounding his death.
That distinction is important in remembering a person whose identity was built around far more than the events of one night.
Was an Official Akeem Moore Obituary Published?
At the time of the latest review, news reports and the Mount Calvary Baptist Church statement provided the strongest confirmed information concerning Moore’s death and life.
A detailed funeral-home obituary containing a complete biography and family information had not yet been located in the authoritative sources reviewed.
When an official obituary becomes available, it may provide additional information regarding his upbringing, education, family relationships and personal accomplishments.
Akeem Moore Funeral Arrangements
Verified funeral, visitation and burial details were not included in the latest reliable reporting reviewed.
Those arrangements may be announced through Moore’s family, Mount Calvary Baptist Church or an authorized funeral home.
People wishing to attend memorial services or provide support should rely on announcements directly from those sources.
A Life Centered on Faith and Service
Akeem Moore’s documented life at Mount Calvary Baptist Church reveals a strong commitment to Christian ministry.
As Minister of Worship, he helped shape the spiritual and musical experience of his congregation.
Through evangelistic outreach, he participated in the church’s efforts to engage the wider community.
Through technology and social media ministry, he also supported the church’s ability to communicate its message beyond its physical building.
Remembering Akeem Moore
At 31, Akeem Moore’s life ended far earlier than those who knew him expected.
His church remembers him as a dedicated minister, preacher and servant whose contributions touched many different areas of congregational life.
As investigators and the courts address the circumstances surrounding his death, family members, friends and members of Mount Calvary Baptist Church are left to preserve the memories of the life he lived.
For the West Palm Beach community, Moore’s legacy remains connected to worship, faith, music, service and his dedication to the church community he served.