SPD: Hillcrest motel owner killed Thursday morning identified, 34-year-old arrested

Josiah Elmore
·1 min read

SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) — A 34-year-old man was arrested after the owner of the Hillcrest Motel was killed Thursday morning.

According to Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry, William Jeremy Moore, 34, was arrested for the shooting death of Pravin Raojibhai Patel, the owner of the Hillcrest Motel.

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Terry said Sheffield City Schools were put on lockdown as a precaution. Terry could not provide any more information but said more would be available later in the day.

Officials said the shooting was the result of an altercation that occurred when Moore came to the property looking to rent a room. Moore pulled a gun and shot Patel, Terry said.

“Moore was quickly apprehended by Sheffield Police on 13th Avenue when he was trying to break into an abandoned house,” the chief said.

When searching Mr. Moore, the murder weapon was found in his possession.  Sheffield City Schools were placed on lockdown for safety measures until Mr. Moore was in custody.

Terry said Moore is being held in the Sheffield City Jail until a warrant is issued. He’ll then be transported to the Colbert County Jail.

Patel’s body is being taken to forensics for an autopsy.

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