On April 9, 2005, a domestic disturbance at 131 SE 14th Street in Newton, Kansas escalated into a prolonged hostage standoff that left Deputy Kurt Andrew Ford dead. The call began when a 14-year-old reported her mother was being beaten by Gregory Moore, who was armed and had a prior history of domestic violence. Deputies and the Harvey County Emergency Response Team spent about three hours negotiating before Moore began physically assaulting the female hostage and officers forced entry.

When the team breached the home, Moore fired with two handguns. Deputy Ford was struck in the head and later died of his wounds; a Hesston Police Department detective was also wounded. The female hostage escaped unharmed and officers extracted the fallen; the standoff continued for hours before Moore surrendered. Multiple weapons were recovered from the residence. Deputy Ford is survived by his wife and two sons.

Did anyone in the Newton area have contact with Deputy Ford, the victim’s family, or the household at the time who can add details about that night?