The Lottery Murder and Fortune’s Fatal Fool: The Tragic Story of Abraham Shakespeare and His Murderer, Dee Dee Moore
On November 15, 2006, Abraham Shakespeare’s life changed overnight when he purchased a Quick Pick lottery ticket that won him a $31 million jackpot. A humble man from Florida, Shakespeare wasn’t prepared for the challenges that came with sudden wealth. Though his pockets were full, his heart remained generous, living by the philosophy that "it is better to give than to receive." But that goodwill, combined with poor financial decisions, would ultimately lead to his undoing.
This is the haunting true crime tale of Abraham Shakespeare, a man who found fortune only to pay for it with his life. His story is one of greed, manipulation, and a deadly desire for wealth, orchestrated by the woman who would ultimately claim his life—Dee Dee Moore.
A Heart Too Big
After receiving the lump sum of over $11 million, Abraham Shakespeare seemed to live out the dream that many only fantasize about. He bought a luxurious home, cars, and indulged in a few extravagant purchases. But for the most part, Shakespeare remained a simple man at heart, known for his unselfish nature. He gave freely to friends, family, and even strangers in need.
However, Shakespeare’s generosity became his downfall. People constantly approached him, looking for handouts, exploiting his kindness. His newfound wealth became a magnet for those eager to cash in on his fortune. Despite being a millionaire, Shakespeare was quickly running out of money, having given so much away. His financial literacy was virtually nonexistent, and without proper advice, he struggled to manage his wealth.
Enter Dee Dee Moore: The Predator in Disguise
In comes Dorice "Dee Dee" Moore, a woman who saw opportunity in Abraham Shakespeare’s deteriorating financial situation. Under the guise of wanting to help him manage his money, she befriended him. Dee Dee presented herself as a businesswoman with the expertise to secure his wealth and protect him from people trying to take advantage of him.
But behind this facade of a caring advisor, Moore was a cold, calculated manipulator. She began isolating Shakespeare from his friends and family, gaining control over his financial assets. Shakespeare, trusting her, signed over various properties and accounts to Moore. He disappeared from public life soon after.
The Sinister Plot Unfolds
As weeks turned into months, people close to Shakespeare grew suspicious of his absence. When questioned, Dee Dee Moore fabricated various excuses for his disappearance. She claimed he had left the country or that he wanted to live a quiet life, free from those who had been taking advantage of him.
In reality, Abraham Shakespeare was already dead. Dee Dee had lured him into a deadly trap, killing him to take control of his remaining wealth. In 2009, his body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab in the backyard of a property Moore had once owned. It was a gruesome end for a man who had given so much to others.
Dee Dee Moore's Downfall
Dee Dee Moore’s confidence in evading justice was her ultimate downfall. She made numerous mistakes that drew suspicion, including attempting to bribe others to take the blame for Shakespeare's death and even offering someone $50,000 to make a false confession. These desperate actions led investigators right to her.
In 2012, Dee Dee Moore was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The trial revealed Moore’s intricate web of deceit, manipulation, and greed, painting a dark portrait of a woman willing to do anything for money—even take a life.
The Legacy of Abraham Shakespeare
The murder of Abraham Shakespeare is a cautionary tale about the dangers that often come with sudden wealth. His story serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable even the kindest souls can be in the face of greed. Shakespeare’s life was tragically cut short, not by chance, but by the calculated evil of a woman he thought was his friend.
In the world of true crime, this case stands out for its heartbreaking betrayal. Shakespeare was a man who wanted nothing more than to share his good fortune with those around him. In the end, his trust in the wrong person cost him everything.
For more harrowing stories of betrayal and murder, subscribe to Hitched 2 Homicide, where we uncover the dark truths behind real-life crimes, bringing you cases like Abraham Shakespeare’s with a mix of suspense and Southern charm.
Sources used for this podcast:
ABC News. (2012, November 27). Abraham Shakespeare killing: Woman accused of shooting lotto winner goes on trial. https://abcnews.go.com/US/abraham-shakespeare-killing-woman-accused-shooting-lotto-winner/story?id=17815824
Oxygen. (n.d.). Abraham Shakespeare killed after winning lottery. https://www.oxygen.com/buried-in-the-backyard/crime-news/abraham-shakespeare-killed-after-winning-lottery
Find a Grave. (n.d.). Abraham Lee Shakespeare. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47294222/abraham_lee-shakespeare
NBC. (n.d.). Lakeland lotto mystery. https://www.nbc.com/floribama-murders/video/lakeland-lotto-mystery/9000317054
Murderpedia. (n.d.). Dorice "Dee Dee" Moore. https://murderpedia.org/female.M/m/moore-dorice.htm
Daily Mail. (2022, March 7). Florida woman who killed $30m lottery winner backs keeping winners' names secret. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10570647/Florida-woman-killed-30m-lottery-winner-backs-keeping-winners-names-secret.html
The Ledger. (2012, December 4). Informant suggested fall guy take blame. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2012/12/04/informant-suggested-fall-guy-take/8102560007/
The Ledger. (2010, January 6). Sheriff: Lottery winner may be dead. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/01/06/sheriff-lottery-winner-may-be-dead/26240842007/
The Ledger. (2009, November 25). Lakeland lottery winner missing. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2009/11/25/lakeland-lottery-winner-missing/8277384007/
Sky News. (2012, December 8). Lottery winner murder: Dorice Moore found guilty. https://news.sky.com/story/lottery-winner-murder-dorice-moore-found-guilty-10461154
The Ledger. (2007, June 9). Lawyer: I'll prove client is winner. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2007/06/09/lawyer-ill-prove-client-is-winner/25780437007/
The Ledger. (2010, February 3). Judge sets Dee Dee Moore's bond at $1 million. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/02/03/judge-sets-deedee-moores-bond-at-1-million/26247676007/
The Ledger. (2010, February 16). Corvette bought by suspect Dee Dee Moore returned by boyfriend. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/02/16/corvette-bought-by-suspect-deedee-moore-returned-by-boyfriend/26250129007/
Avvo. (n.d.). D. Stitzel - Attorney in Zephyrhills, FL. https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/33596-fl-d-stitzel-1294886.html
CNBC. (2013, July 19). Moore's alibi video. https://www.cnbc.com/video/2013/07/19/moores-alibi-video.html
Ocala Star-Banner. (2012, November 28). Woman on trial in killing of Fla. lottery winner. https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2012/11/28/woman-on-trial-in-killing-of-fla-lottery-winner/31912087007/
Lottery Post. (2010, February 3). Lottery winner's body found under concrete slab. https://www.lotterypost.com/news/211976
The Ledger. (2007, January 19). Lotto winner keeps his frugal lifestyle. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2007/01/19/lotto-winner-keeps-his-frugal-lifestyle/25857058007/
Tampa Bay Times. (2012, November 30). Trial continues in death of lottery winner Abraham Shakespeare. https://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/trial-continues-in-death-of-lottery-winner-abraham-shakespeare/1263800/
Polk County Mugshots. (2021, December 28). Cedric Edom mugshot. https://polkfl.mugshots.zone/edom-cedric-mugshot-12-28-2021/
Facebook. (n.d.). Larry Kinnebrew. https://www.facebook.com/p/Larry-Kinnebrew-100068412792446/
The Ledger. (2010, January 30). Detectives say Abraham Shakespeare was murdered; no arrests yet. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2010/01/30/detectives-say-abraham-shakespeare-was-murdered-no-arrests-yet/26585239007/
FOX 13 News. (2023, April 13). Florida lottery winner's killer demanding new trial. https://www.fox13news.com/news/florida-lottery-winners-killer-demanding-new-trial
Vail Daily. (n.d.). The discoveries and consequences of the Lewis and Clark expedition. https://www.vaildaily.com/news/the-discoveries-and-consequences-of-the-lewis-and-clark-expedition/
ABC News. (2023, March 17). Amateur web sleuths helped solve case of missing lottery winner. https://abcnews.go.com/US/amateur-web-sleuths-helped-solve-case-missing-lottery/story?id=96079852
Websleuths. (n.d.). https://www.websleuths.com
Citations:
Monty Python’s Flying Circus | BBC – Python Pictures | S1 E7 | You’re No Fun Anymore
Happy Gilmore | 1996 | Universal Pictures
Nightmare Alley | 2021 | Universal Pictures
Pretty Little Liars | S2 E23 | Eye of the Beholder | ABC
Family Guy | S14 E 11 | The Peanut Butter Kid | Fox
Baby Daddy | 2012 | S6 E2 | Family | Freeform
The Tender Bar | 2021 | Amazon MGM Studios
Trading Places | 1983 | Paramount Pictures
❤️ Bless Your Heart Sources
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
All information contained in this video presentation is provided for entertainment purposes only. The authors leave any and all conclusions to individual members of the audience. The author offers no statements of fact beyond those available through diligent private research or through information freely available in the public record. To the extent that pending or settled criminal matters or crime or possible crimes, are discussed in this video presentation. All parties or defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. To the extent that any pending or settle civil matters are discussed in this video presentation, all parties or defendants are presumed not liable unless proven liable in a court of law. Copyright for material incorporated and presented under Fair Use is retained by the original author or copyright holder where applicable. Our cases are researched using open source and archive materials, and the subjects are real crimes and people. We strive to produce each episode with respect to the victims, their families and loved ones. At Hitched 2 Homicide we are committed to always discussing how victims lived, and not just how they died. All podcast information is gleaned from sources given. All opinions in the podcast are solely of Hitched 2 Homicide.
Comments