A South Carolina teenager faces charges in the horrific slaying of his grandparents, a couple cherished by their community.
Levi Kevin Jones, 19, was apprehended late on Friday night, accused of murdering his grandparents, Larry Moore, 76, and Sandra Moore, 75.
The grim discovery of the Moores’ bodies on January 15 came after a relative repeatedly tried to reach them without success.
In addition to the murder charges, Jones is also facing accusations of weapon possession during the execution of a violent crime.
Authorities have confirmed the deaths were homicides, revealing that Larry suffered multiple stab wounds to his torso and neck while Sandra was strangled, as detailed in a statement from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
Kevin Jones, the couple’s son-in-law, expressed the family’s profound sorrow, stating the entire family is heartbroken by the tragedy.
‘Why anyone would hurt these two precious people is beyond imagination. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were the most precious people God ever created. Absolutely heartbroken,’ he wrote on Facebook.
According to Jones, Larry was an avid fisherman who would often tell stories of fishing trips with his father, Furman Moore, and his brother, Ricky, when they were young.
Levi Kevin Jones was arrested late on Friday evening on two counts of murder after his grandparents were brutally killed
Larry Moore, 76, and Sandra Moore, 75, were found in their homes with serious wounds, including strangulation and wounds from a knife
The pair were longtime residents and known as the former owners of Moore & Moore Fish Camp, before they retired in 2016
‘He and his brother Ricky were always so kind to let me tag along when I came into the family….He made such a huge impact on my life and showed me true love, Christ-like love. He and Sandra always treated me like I really mattered, as though I had always been part of the family,’ Jones wrote.
‘I already miss him and just can’t imagine Hybrid season without him.’
The pair were longtime residents and known as the former owners of Moore & Moore Fish Camp, Fox News reported.
The Calvary Church, where the couple were active members, wrote on Facebook: ‘Calvary Family, it is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of two of our longtime and most faithful members, Brother Larry and Sister Sandra Moore.’
‘Please join us in lifting the entire Moore family – and all who loved them – in your prayers during this difficult time.’
Another member of the church, Stacy Brooks, told the outlet: ‘They were always there. You expected to see them every time you went. They were faithful people.’
‘This is a close community, and something like this just doesn’t happen often,’ she added.
A cousin of Sandra said: ‘We are heartbroken, yet living with the assurance that they are with the Lord. Two of the most godly people who were faithful in their life of serving the Lord. Prayers for all.’
The Moore’s son-in-law, Kevin Jones, said that the ‘whole family is devastated’
Larry and Sandra Moore were avid church members and described as ‘the salt of the earth’
The bodies of Larry and Sandra Moore were discovered on January 15 after a family member made multiple attempts to contact the elderly pair
Others described the pair as ‘the salt of the earth.’
A friend commented on Facebook: ‘I’m at a loss for words. They were always so good to me and I have never forgotten that and never will.’
‘They were such great mentors to me when I worked there and through life since after the fish camp. Truly a devastating loss. Prayers to all the families and for answers,’ they continued.
‘I represented Larry for years and years and years. He, his wife and mother were not only clients, but friends. I am very much distressed to learn of this tragic event. My prayers are for them and remains family,’ a former business partner of Larry’s commented.
On Saturday, Jones’ bond was denied in magistrate court. He is scheduled to next appear in court on March 12.
