A deeply religious elderly couple have been discovered brutally murdered inside their South Carolina residence, sending shockwaves through the local community. Larry Moore, 76, and his wife Sandra Moore, 75, were found deceased within their Westminster home on Thursday, according to official reports.
Discovery and Investigation Details
The alarm was initially raised by a concerned family member who visited the property after failing to hear from the couple for several days, as confirmed by local media outlet WSPA. Upon arrival, the relative made the tragic discovery that has since left the neighbourhood reeling.
The coroner's office has confirmed that both individuals died from traumatic injuries, although specific details regarding the nature of these injuries and the estimated time of death remain confidential. Law enforcement authorities have deliberately withheld this information to preserve the integrity of their ongoing homicide investigation.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities have moved quickly to reassure local residents, stating they do not believe there is any continuing danger to the wider public and characterising the incident as isolated. However, investigators are actively appealing for assistance from the community.
Jimmy Watt, representing the sheriff's office as public information officer, made a direct plea to potential witnesses. "If people were driving through that area, maybe people who live in the area, maybe they saw something that was suspicious or something that didn’t seem right," Watt told reporters, emphasising the importance of any surveillance footage or observations from the vicinity.
Community Pillars and Business Legacy
The Moores were well-known and respected figures within Westminster, having operated Moore & Moore Fish Camp, a beloved local restaurant, for decades before their retirement in 2016. Their dedication to the business created lasting connections throughout the area.
Devout Church Members Mourned
Beyond their business endeavours, Larry and Sandra were long-standing, committed members of the Calvary Church, where their absence has created a profound void. Church officials publicly acknowledged their passing on social media, writing "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of two of our longtime and most faithful members."
The congregation's grief was palpable, with multiple members describing the couple as the "backbones" of their church community. Sandra's cousin, Terry Addis, emotionally reflected that the married pair were "the most godly people" he had known.
Family's Heartbreaking Response
The couple's family have been left utterly devastated by the loss. Their son-in-law, Kevin Jones, articulated the collective family anguish, describing the situation as a "nightmare" in a public statement.
"Please pray for my wife and her sister. As you can imagine, our whole family is devastated. Why anyone would hurt these two precious people is beyond imagination," Jones expressed. "My mother-in-law and father-in-law were the most precious people God ever created. Absolutely heartbroken."
Tributes from Friends and Associates
Former co-worker Layne Carver paid heartfelt tribute, writing: "There could never be a better God-fearing person. You meant a lot to everyone that knew you. I pray that the both of you rest easy in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Y'all will be missed."
These sentiments were echoed widely across the community, painting a picture of a couple deeply embedded in and cherished by their social and religious circles. The couple are survived by at least one daughter, around whom support has rallied during this traumatic period.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on gathering evidence while the Westminster community struggles to comprehend the violent loss of two of its most steadfast members.
