Justin Girlder and Vivian Moore

Mom Sentenced to Decades in Prison After Son Kills Her Alleged Abusive Boyfriend With Hammer

An Indiana woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Tuesday, two years after the death of her boyfriend, who she claimed was abusive.

Vivian Moore, who was initially charged with murder for the 2018 death of Dennis Dziwulski, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy to commit murder. Moore’s son, Justin Girdler, is awaiting his own trial in connection with the case.

Local 12 reports that Switzerland County sheriff’s deputies stated Girdler admitted to killing Dziwulski after his mother confessed to the same crime. Police found Dziwulski’s body hidden in a wooded area behind Moore’s rented home, off of Beatty Ridge Road in Switzerland County.

According to an arrest affidavit, Girdler called 911 in June 2018 concerning a domestic violence situation. When police arrived at Moore’s home, they found Girdler holding a sledgehammer. Dziwulski, who was there at the time, stayed home for the night while Girdler and his mother left after police suggested they separate for the night.

Dennis Dziwulski/Facebook

Investigators said Girdler later admitted that he returned home that same night with his mother and hit Dziwulsk over the head three times with a sledgehammer. He also allegedly admitted that his mother hit Dziwulski with an iron skillet.

According to Switzerland County sheriff’s detective Chris Curry, Moore initially told police that she was the sole responsible person. She reportedly added she was “tired of Dziwulski’s abuse.” Girdler later admitted to his part and was charged with first-degree murder.

Court documents indicate that police had been to the home several times in the past over domestic issues.

The Madison Courier reports that Girdler is also facing an obstruction of justice charge after he allegedly dumped Dziwulsk’s vehicle in Carroll County, Kentucky.

Girdler’s trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 9. Check back for updates.

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[Featured Photo: Justin Girdler and Vivian Moore/Police Handout]