Kathleen Dorsett was born on July 2, 1974. She grew up in New Jersey, where she received her education and eventually became a teacher. Kathleen worked as a kindergarten and third-grade teacher at the Gables School in Neptune Township.

In June 2007, Kathleen married Stephen Moore, a salesman and former speed skater. The couple had one daughter named Elizabeth, who was born in 2008. However, after Elizabeth's birth, Kathleen and Stephen began to disagree on how to raise their child. This led to a series of conflicts between them.

Eventually, Kathleen and Stephen decided to get a divorce. The divorce was finalized in June 2010, and Kathleen received primary physical custody of their daughter. After the divorce, Kathleen's parents, Thomas and Lesley Dorsett, had plans to move to Florida with Kathleen and Elizabeth. They wanted to help Kathleen, but their move would also require financial assistance for Stephen to have access to Elizabeth.

On August 16, 2010, Kathleen Dorsett's life changed dramatically. Stephen Moore was dropping off their daughter at Kathleen's parents' home in Oakhurst, New Jersey. During this time, Kathleen's father, Thomas Dorsett, attacked Stephen in the driveway and killed him. Kathleen was reportedly inside the house changing the child's diaper. When Stephen did not show up for work later that day, his employer reported him missing.

Two days later, police discovered Stephen's body inside his mother's burning Nissan Altima in Long Branch, New Jersey. This discovery led to an investigation, and on August 23, 2010, Kathleen was arrested. She faced charges for first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. After Kathleen's arrest, Thomas Dorsett attempted to take his own life outside his attorney's office. He survived and was also charged with first-degree murder and other related charges.

Another man, Anthony Morris, was implicated in the case. He was charged with arson and desecration of human remains for allegedly being paid by Thomas Dorsett to burn Stephen's mother's car with the body inside. Kathleen and Thomas Dorsett were held in jail, both with significant bail amounts.

While in jail, Kathleen and her mother, Lesley, attempted to arrange for a hitman to kill Stephen's mother, who had gained custody of Kathleen's daughter after the arrest. This led to additional charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder against them. The investigation also uncovered that the Dorsett family had been involved in money laundering.

In April 2011, Anthony Morris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to disturb or desecrate human remains. In May 2013, Kathleen, Thomas, and Lesley Dorsett all pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Kathleen received a total sentence of 58 years in prison, while her father received 45 years, and her mother was sentenced to 7 years.

Kathleen is currently serving her sentence at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey. She is eligible for parole in 2057. Thomas Dorsett is serving his time at New Jersey State Prison and is eligible for parole in 2040. Lesley Dorsett was released after becoming eligible for parole in December 2016. Following the tragedy, Stephen Moore's mother was awarded custody of his daughter, who continued to live with other family after her passing in 2021.