Tampa woman who murdered lottery winner supports a Florida bill that would keep names of winners secret

 Tampa woman who killed lottery winner votes for a Florida law that would keep the names of the winners secret

A bill that would temporarily conceal the names and addresses of lottery winners in Florida, currently in the governor's consideration, has at least one supporter: a woman currently in prison for killing the winner of a $30,000,000 lottery payout.

Dorice Donegan Moore, 49, from Tampa, stated that publicly identifying winners and details about large lottery payouts can put their lives in danger.

Moore said, "It places a target on their heads." Moore is currently in Lowell Correctional Institution Ocala serving a term of life.

Moore was convicted by a jury in December 2012 for first-degree murder. This conviction was in connection to the 2009 shooting death 42-year old Abraham Lee Shakespeare. Florida appeals courts confirmed her conviction in 2015 and again for 2019 calling her continuing claims of innocence confusing, conclusory, and vague. She indicated that she plans to continue her legal appeals.

The Florida Legislature's bill would keep the names and addresses of winners of the lottery worth $250,000 or less secret for 90 days unless the winner requests to be identified. It was approved by the House and Senate with a vote of 114-1. Gov. Ron DeSantis was expected sign it into legislation as soon as this month.

During House hearings Tracie D. Jacksonville cited news coverage that featured lottery winners from Florida, Georgia, and were later killed while claiming their prizes.

Davis, the bill sponsor, said that everyone dreams of winning the lottery at one point in their lives. "Unfortunately for some, those dreams of winning the lotto can sometimes become nightmares."

Tina Polsky of D-Boca Raton said that by delaying disclosure of a winner’s name, the winner would have time to set up security measures. A Senate version of this bill was sponsored by her.

Polsky stated that some winners are subject to all kinds of scams, harassment, even death. "The purpose of the 90 day period is to give lottery winners enough time for planning. This includes notifying loved ones, obtaining financial advice, and even getting money into investments.

Craigory Burch (age 20) was murdered in Georgia during a home invasion. This occurred months after he had won $400,000. Georgia is among the 10 states that permit lottery winners to remain anonymous.

Moore claimed that she had met Shakespeare to write a book. Moore was convinced by Moore to allow her to manage his remaining lottery winnings. Moore stated that at that time he had just $1 million. Trial testimony shows that Shakespeare used a large portion of his winnings to pay off the mortgages of friends and family, and to give money to anyone who asked.

Prosecutors claim that Moore borrowed $1 million from Shakespeare’s bank accounts to buy a Hummer and Corvette, as well as a truck, vacation, and other items. Moore bought the house where Shakespeare was shot twice in his chest. Moore found Shakespeare's body under a concrete slab. At the time of his death the sheriff claimed that all $30 million was spent.

Moore stated that it was too long to keep the names of lottery winners secret, even for 90 days, in a prison interview. She stated that it was not appropriate to disclose details about winners' choice of lump-sum payouts or payments over time.

"I don't think that's enough," she stated. "You need to see that this person needs to make a complete change in their life. Lottery of Florida