You might remember the name from the spine of a young adult novel or perhaps from a chilling true crime headline. Aisling Tucker Moore-Reed, who most people just call Tucker Reed, once had the kind of life that looked like a highlight reel for a rising star. She was a co-author of the successful Amber House trilogy, a journalist, and even an actress. But then things took a sharp, dark turn. Honestly, if you saw it in a movie, you'd think the plot was a bit too on the nose.
The question of where is Tucker Reed now is one that's been bouncing around the internet ever since a 2016 shooting turned her life into a national news story. For a long time, the answer was simple: she was behind bars. But time moves on, even when you're in the legal system. As of early 2026, the landscape of her life has shifted significantly from the days she spent at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.
The Release and the Aftermath
According to recent records and documentary updates, Tucker Reed was released from prison in November 2024. She had been sentenced to six years and three months after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter in May 2020. This wasn't just a random sentence; it was the result of a complex plea deal where more serious charges, including second-degree murder, were dropped.
When she walked out of prison, she wasn't the same person who went in. She's now in her mid-30s.
Basically, the transition from inmate to private citizen is never a straight line. Since her release, Reed has largely stayed out of the public eye, which is a massive contrast to her early years as a vocal activist and author. You won't find her doing the rounds on the morning talk shows or posting daily updates on TikTok. It seems she’s trying to navigate a world that mostly knows her as the subject of a Dateline NBC episode or the Killer Role podcast.
Why the Case Still Fascinates People
It's the irony that gets everyone. Just before her formal murder indictment in 2018, Reed had actually filmed a lead role in an independent horror movie called From the Dark. She used the stage name Wyn Reed. In a twist that feels like a bad omen, her character in the film actually shoots someone—an event that eerily mirrored the real-life shooting of her uncle, Shane Patrick Moore.
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The shooting happened in 2016 at her grandmother's house in Applegate, Oregon. It was all caught on a cellphone camera. That video was the "nail in the coffin" for her defense. You can hear the tension in the footage—a family dispute over property that turned lethal in seconds. The judge who saw the footage even remarked on how the evidence of her state of mind was clear.
- The property dispute involved her mother, Kelly Moore, and her uncle.
- A notary was actually present when the shooting occurred.
- Reed claimed she was protecting her mother, but the prosecution saw it differently.
Life After Coffee Creek
During her time incarcerated, Reed didn't exactly stay quiet. In 2021, she filed a malpractice lawsuit against her own defense attorney. She claimed she was pressured into a plea deal that wasn't voluntary. The courts didn't buy it, and the lawsuit was dismissed fairly quickly. There were also reports of additional charges involving contraband while she was in jail, which added layers of trouble to an already messy situation.
So, where is she physically? While her exact current residence isn't public—and for good reason, given the high-profile nature of her case—most post-prison trajectories involve a period of parole or post-prison supervision. For someone released in late 2024, 2026 represents the middle of that "re-entry" phase. She is likely living a quiet, monitored life, far removed from the literary circles of Southern California or the reporting desks of Oregon.
The Legacy of the Amber House
What happens to the work? The Amber House trilogy was actually a family affair, co-written with her mother, Kelly Moore, and her sister, Larkin. It was a six-figure deal with Scholastic. Now, those books sit on library shelves with a very different context. People still read them, but it’s hard to separate the "Gothic horror" on the page from the real-life tragedy that followed.
- Amber House (2012): The debut that started it all.
- Neverwas (2014): The sequel that delved into alternate histories.
- Ever Shall & Otherwhen: Forthcoming titles that were once highly anticipated.
Whether those final books will ever see the light of day in a traditional way is a big "maybe." The publishing industry is notoriously sensitive to brand damage, and a manslaughter conviction is about as heavy as it gets.
Moving Forward
If you are following this case or looking for actionable ways to understand the legal nuances of similar situations, it is helpful to look at how Oregon's sentencing guidelines work. Many people are surprised she didn't serve a "life" sentence, but the plea to second-degree manslaughter significantly changed the math on her time served.
To keep tabs on the latest updates without falling for misinformation:
- Check the Oregon Department of Corrections "Inmate Search" tool for any changes in supervision status.
- Follow the Jackson County District Attorney’s media releases for any archival details on the closed case.
- Avoid social media "sightings" which are often unverified and can be invasive.
Tucker Reed’s story is a reminder of how quickly a life built on talent and advocacy can unravel. For now, she is a woman who has served her time and is likely trying to find a version of "normal" that no longer includes the spotlight.