WESTMINSTER, SC – What began as an ordinary winter evening for a quiet community turned to tragedy when a beloved elderly couple was discovered dead in their home, leaving loved ones and neighbors grasping for answers.
Authorities have charged Levi Kevin Jones, 19, of Westminster, with two counts each of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime following the deaths of his grandparents, Larry Moore, 76, and Sandra Moore, 75. The arrest was announced by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation that sent shockwaves through the small South Carolina town.
Family members made the harrowing discovery on the evening of January 15, finding the Moores unresponsive in their residence near Westminster. Emergency responders soon confirmed the worst: both had died in what investigators immediately deemed a double homicide.
Court documents reveal grim details. Investigators allege that Jones attacked his grandfather, Larry, stabbing him multiple times in the torso and neck before turning his aggression on Sandra and strangling her. The sheriff’s office said no motive has been disclosed at this stage in the investigation, leaving friends and relatives bewildered.
Jones, now being held at the Oconee County Detention Center, remains in custody as he awaits an initial bond hearing. There has been no announcement regarding defense representation or a potential plea.
The Moores’ deaths have stirred deep sorrow among Westminster residents, who remember the couple as steadfast pillars of the local community. For over four decades, Larry and Sandra ran the Moore and Moore Fish Camp, a family restaurant that became a fixture for locals and visitors alike. According to his obituary, Larry was an avid fisherman, while Sandra was said to have a fondness for hummingbirds that delighted friends and grandchildren.
The couple’s ties to faith were also strong. Calvary Church, where they were longstanding members, called for the congregation to come together in prayer and comfort the grieving family.
News of the tragedy spread quickly, with many recalling that the Moores retired from their cherished restaurant in 2016, looking forward to quieter days filled with hobbies and family gatherings.
As investigators continue their search for clues into what led to the violence, the community remains united in grief, struggling to make sense of the loss of two people thought to represent the heart of their town. For now, authorities say the case appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to the broader public.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and the case moves through the court system.