CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (TCN) — A 54-year-old man is behind bars on multiple charges in connection with the kidnapping and homicide of a woman, according to authorities.
On July 28, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing person. Family members of 58-year-old Robin Doyle reported her missing because they had not seen her since the previous day.
The investigation identified Leroy Allen Loper as a suspect in her disappearance a few days later. Loper is a registered sex offender with previous convictions of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree forcible sexual offense. He was arrested on July 30 on charges related to sex offender registry violations and held on $200,000 secured bond.
The day after Loper was taken into custody, Doyle’s body was found in a wooded area. The manner of her death was ruled a homicide, but the cause of death was not released. Loper was then charged with felony murder, first-degree kidnapping, and concealment of a death.
Catawba County Sheriff Dan Brown said, “The acts in this case represent pure evil, and those responsible will be held fully accountable under the law.”
According to People, it is unclear whether Loper and Doyle knew each other.
WBTV reports that Doyle was employed as a gas station clerk. According to Corban Worley, one of her regular customers, “She was one of the sweetest, most generous, kindhearted, amazing people you’ll ever meet in your life. … Her car is not here nor her warm smile, welcoming when you came into the store.”
Loper remains behind bars without bond following his first court appearance on Aug. 3, according to Law & Crime.
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