Teen Accused of Killing Grandparents Had No Criminal Record — What Went Wrong

A South Carolina community is grappling with unanswered questions after a 19-year-old man was charged with murdering his grandparents, a case that investigators say involved strangulation and repeated stabbing inside the victims' home.

Authorities have confirmed the suspect had no prior criminal record, and no motive has yet been released, intensifying scrutiny over what may have led to the killings.

Teen Arrested in Double Homicide

Police identified the suspect as Levi Kevin Jones, who was taken into custody over the weekend.

Jones faces two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the deaths of his grandparents, Larry and Sandra Moore. Investigators say the couple, aged 76 and 75, were killed earlier this month.

Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery

According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at about 9:05 p.m. on Thursday, 15 January, to a welfare check at the Moores' residence on Cromer Moore Drive in the Westminster area.

The request was made by a family member who reported being unable to contact the couple for several days. After entering the home, the relative discovered both victims dead and contacted emergency services.

What Police Say Happened Inside the Home

During a Saturday news conference, Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said investigators determined that both deaths were homicides.

Police believe Sandra Moore was strangled, while Larry Moore died after being stabbed several times in the neck and torso. Authorities have not said when the attacks occurred or whether anyone else was present at the time.

Investigation and Arrest Timeline

Sheriff Crenshaw told reporters that investigators located what they believe to be the murder weapon late on Friday. Jones was then arrested at his residence at around 11:00 p.m. that night.

The sheriff stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and said additional charges may be forthcoming as detectives continue to examine evidence and conduct interviews.

No Criminal Record and No Motive Released

Authorities have confirmed that Jones had no criminal record prior to his arrest. Police have also not released a possible motive for the killings, and have declined to speculate on family dynamics or other factors that may have contributed. Investigators have said they will provide further updates as the case develops.

Court Proceedings and Custody Status

Following his arrest, Jones was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center, where he remains in custody.

Sheriff Crenshaw said Jones will be required to appear before a circuit judge, rather than a magistrate judge, for his bond hearing. That hearing is expected to take place sometime this week.

Victims Remembered by Church and Community

Larry and Sandra Moore were described by their church as 'backbones of the congregation'. The couple were long-time members of Calvary Church and were known for their involvement in the local community.

They also spent decades operating the Moore & Moore Fish Camp before retiring in 2016. News of their deaths has prompted an outpouring of grief and disbelief among friends and neighbours.

Police have urged anyone with information relevant to the case to contact investigators as the inquiry continues.