19-year-old Levi Kevin Jones charged in deaths of grandparents found in South Carolina home

WESTMINSTER, S.C. — A 19-year-old man has been charged with murdering his retired grandparents after their bodies were found inside their South Carolina home earlier this month, authorities said.

Oconee County sheriff’s deputies arrested Levi Kevin Jones late Friday and charged him with two counts of murder in the Jan. 15 deaths of 76-year-old Larry Moore and his 75-year-old wife, Sandra Moore, the sheriff’s office said. He also faces two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. 

A relative discovered the couple’s bodies on Cromer Moore Road near Westminster after repeated attempts to contact them failed, officials said. Investigators later determined the deaths were homicides. 

According to arrest warrants, Jones stabbed his grandfather several times in the torso and neck. His grandmother died from manual strangulation, authorities said. A knife was reportedly used in the attack. 

Jones remains in the Oconee County Detention Center. A magistrate judge denied bond, and his next court date is scheduled for March 12. 

The Moores were longtime residents of the community and owned a local restaurant before retiring, neighbors said. They were active members of their church. 

Authorities have not released a possible motive as the investigation continues.