Prosecutors Decline to File Charges Against Prominent Democratic Donor in Fatal Overdose at His WeHo Home

Friends and family of Gemmel Moore gather for a candelight vigil outside the West Hollywood sheriff’s station in August, 2017. (Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

by: Los Angeles Times

Posted: Jul 26, 2018 / 09:34 PM PDT

Updated: Jul 26, 2018 / 09:34 PM PDT

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Prosecutors have declined to file charges against prominent Democratic donor Ed Buck in connection with the fatal overdose last summer of a 26-year-old man at Buck’s West Hollywood home, citing insufficient evidence, according to court records.

In a document dated Thursday, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said that the “admissible evidence is insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt” that Buck gave Gemmel Moore drugs or is responsible for the man’s July 2017 death.

The document also cited an inadmissible search and seizure, but did not provide details.

Seymour Amster, an attorney representing Buck, said Thursday that the move was a “complete exoneration” for Buck. “Gemmel Moore’s death was a tragedy. It’s now clear that Ed Buck had nothing to do with it,” Amster said.

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