Florida Mother Convicted In Murder Plot Against Ex Husband

Update: The killing occurred in March 2023 and the sentencing took place in April 2025; this post originally reported the case in May 2026.

A Florida custody dispute turned into a murder for hire case that prosecutors described as cold, calculated, and fueled by revenge after a mother was convicted of orchestrating the killing of the father of her child in front of their young daughter.

According to court testimony, the relationship between Rachiel Moore and Colby Vinson had been deteriorating long before the murder. Prosecutors said the relationship became increasingly toxic after allegations of infidelity and constant fighting pushed the couple toward separation.

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During the custody battle that followed, investigators said Moore attempted to paint herself as an abuse victim in an effort to gain full custody of the couple’s child. At one point, she reportedly appeared at a police interview with blue medical tape across her nose while accusing Vinson of breaking it during an alleged headbutt incident.

But the claims failed to convince the court.

A judge eventually granted shared 50/50 custody, a decision prosecutors later argued became the turning point in the case.

Authorities said Moore then began planning revenge.

Investigators testified that she contacted her former stepfather, Jason Curtis, and provided him with Vinson’s address, movements, and schedule. Prosecutors said the two coordinated a plan that ultimately ended in Vinson’s death outside his home in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

On March 19, Vinson was unloading groceries with his 4 year old daughter nearby when he was shot and killed.

The case shocked many because of the level of alleged planning involved. Prosecutors said digital evidence, phone records, and forensic analysis connected the suspects directly to the murder plot. Investigators also claimed Moore continued attempting to present herself publicly as an abused spouse even after authorities had begun piecing together the case.

The trial eventually ended with a jury convicting Rachiel Moore of first degree premeditated murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jason Curtis also received a life sentence for his role in the killing.

What began as a custody dispute ultimately left a young child without both parents and devastated two families in the process.

Also reported by: Fox 10 (WALA).