Claude Mills, Staff ReporterWhen a wealthy, popular figure dies without making a will there is often conflict among relatives over the division of the deceased's estate.
But according to relatives of 40-year-old William "Willie Haggart" Moore, who died intestate, decisions of who gets what portion of the wealth left behind by the late community don will pose no such problem.
Mr. Moore, who is survived by his wife, Angela, and 18 children for various women, was gunned down in Arnett Gardens, a tough south St. Andrew community, on April 18. His assets reportedly included a fleet of trailers, luxury cars, a haberdashery, wholesale business and a nightclub called "The Roof", all valuing millions of dollars.
But according to Mr. Moore's older sister Beverly, the Moore clan is "one big family that isn't into squabbles" over money and property.
"Most of Willie's kids are in England and in the USA. Willie's wife knows all of the kids, and from time to time, they come down for summer holidays. There cannot be no squabbles, as the wife is willing to look after everyone," Ms. Moore said last week.
Of the 18 children, six are males, "Red Man", Steve, Ryan, "Little Willie", and twins Corey and Fabian. Angela Moore married Mr. Moore on December 18, 1993. The union produced two children, one age 11, and the other three.
"Willie has a number of grown-up kids, the oldest one is 22, the youngest is three years-old. He loved all of his kids, and his wife has promised to take care of everyone," his sister said.
However, if the other family members see things differently, problems could arise. When a person dies without a will the division of his estate is governed by a statute called an Intestate Law. If the dead is survived by a spouse and children, his estate is usually divided between them.
But where the Moore family is concerned, those considerations are on the back-burner for the time being as the family is still in mourning.
"This is a difficult time for the whole family," said Mr. Moore's sister.
Mr. Moore, the leader of the Black Roses Crew, was killed along with Albert "Blacka Douche" Bonner, and 36-year-old Noel "Big Bunny" Hinds.
Over the past five years, the Moore family has been shadowed by violent tragedies. Mr. Moore's father, William Moore, was shot dead by gunmen at an abattoir in Kingston on May 29, 1997. Three of the Moore sisters have also died violently in the last five years.
Mr. Moore will be buried on Tuesday. The funeral service is scheduled for the National Arena. The funeral will reportedly cost $1 million, with such expensive features as a Mercedes Benz glass hearse, five stretch limousines and a $200,000 casket imported from the United States.
