A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of his grandparents, a married couple in their 70s who were found dead inside their South Carolina home earlier this month.
Levi Kevin Jones, 19, of Westminster, S.C., faces two counts each of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the deaths of Larry Moore, 76, and Sandra Moore, 75, according to a statement from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said Jones was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center over the weekend and remains jailed while awaiting a bond hearing. It is not clear whether he has entered a plea or has an attorney who can comment on his behalf.
Larry and Sandra Moore were discovered by a family member inside their home near Westminster on the evening of Jan. 15, authorities previously said. Investigators indicated at the time that the deaths were believed to be homicides and described the situation as an “isolated” incident.
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Arrest warrants cited by the sheriff’s office allege Jones stabbed Larry Moore multiple times in the torso and neck and strangled Sandra Moore to death. Authorities have not released a possible motive.
The couple were longtime members of Calvary Church, which posted a message on social media following their deaths urging support for the family. In part, the post read: “Please join us in lifting the entire Moore family – and all who loved them – in your prayers during this difficult time.”
Larry Moore was also known for operating Moore and Moore Fish Camp, a restaurant he and his wife ran for more than 40 years, according to his obituary. Sandra Moore was remembered for her love of hummingbirds, while Larry was remembered for his love of fishing.
FOX 4 News reported that the couple retired in 2016.
