South Carolina Teen Accused of Strangling and Stabbing Grandparents to Death in Their Home, Police Say
WESTMINSTER, SOUTH CAROLINA — A 19-year-old man is facing multiple murder charges after police say he brutally killed his grandparents inside their South Carolina home, leaving other family members to discover the elderly couple’s bodies days later.
Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery
According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called around 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, to a home on Cromer Moore Drive in the Westminster area for a welfare check.
The 911 call came from a family member who told dispatchers they had gone inside the residence after being unable to reach the couple for several days — and found them dead.
The victims were later identified as Larry Moore, 76, and Sandra Moore, 75.
Investigators Say Killings Were Violent and Personal
During a Saturday news conference, Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said investigators quickly determined the deaths were homicides.
According to authorities, Sandra Moore was strangled to death, while Larry Moore was stabbed multiple times in the neck and torso.
Sheriff Crenshaw said the injuries clearly indicated that both victims were “killed at the hands of another.”
Teen Grandson Arrested After Weapon Found
Investigators later identified the couple’s grandson, Levi Kevin Jones, 19, as the suspect in the killings.
Crenshaw said deputies located the alleged murder weapon late Friday, and Jones was arrested at his residence around 11 p.m. that night.
Jones has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
No Motive Released, Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killings. Sheriff Crenshaw emphasized that the investigation remains active, adding that additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence.
Jones reportedly had no prior criminal record before his arrest.
Held Without Bond Pending Hearing
Following his arrest, Jones was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center, where he remains in custody.
The sheriff said Jones must appear before a circuit court judge — not a magistrate — for his bond hearing, which is expected to take place later this week.
Community Mourns Respected Elderly Couple
Larry and Sandra Moore were longtime members of Calvary Church, which described them as “backbones of the congregation,” according to reporting by WYFF.
The couple were also well known throughout the community as the longtime owners of Moore & Moore Fish Camp, a local business they operated for decades before retiring in 2016.
Friends and neighbors described the Moores as deeply involved in church life, community events, and local traditions.
Shock and Grief Across Westminster Area
The violent nature of the killings — and the alleged involvement of a close family member — has left the Westminster community shaken.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
If you have thoughts on this case or concerns about violent crime affecting families and communities, share your perspective and follow continued national coverage at CabarrusWeekly.com.
