Gastonia, January 6, 2026
Governor Josh Stein has announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in the unsolved murder of beloved Gastonia barber John Luke Moore, who was tragically killed during a home invasion in 2021. This latest development aims to encourage community members to come forward with crucial information about the crime that has left a lasting impact on the Gastonia community and Moore’s family.
Gastonia
State Offers Significant Reward in Unsolved 2021 Murder of Beloved Gastonia Barber
Governor Josh Stein has announced a substantial reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the July 2021 murder of Gastonia barber John Luke Moore. This significant development, highlighted in recent reports, aims to generate new leads in the unsolved case of a beloved community member who was tragically killed during a home invasion. The state-level reward emphasizes the ongoing commitment to pursuing justice for victims and their families.
The announcement of Governor Stein’s reward comes nearly four and a half years after the incident, underscoring the enduring efforts by authorities to solve what has been a challenging cold case. The reward serves as a crucial tool to encourage individuals with vital information to come forward, potentially providing the breakthrough needed to bring closure to Moore’s family and the Gastonia community.
Details of the Tragic Incident
On July 26, 2021, John Luke Moore, who was 32 years old, was shot and killed during a home invasion at his residence on Allison Avenue in Gastonia. Authorities have revealed that surveillance footage from that night shows three masked suspects breaking into Moore’s home and subsequently fleeing the scene. Despite the release of this video footage by Gastonia police in July 2025, the identities of the individuals responsible have remained unknown, and no arrests have been made to date.
Moore, also known as Johnny Lee, was a highly respected and well-loved figure in the Gastonia community. Described as a selfless individual and a “light” to those around him, he was more than just a barber; he was a trusted confidant for countless customers and friends. His absence has been deeply felt, particularly by his family, including his 15-year-old son, John Moore Jr.. Family members have shared that Moore had a dream of owning his own barbershop and was known for drawing clients from as far as Lancaster, South Carolina.
An Ongoing Search for Justice
The murder of John Luke Moore has remained an unsolved case since 2021, causing immense grief and a prolonged search for answers for his family and the community. Prior to the state’s involvement, Moore’s family had offered a reward of $7,000 for information leading to an arrest. The increased reward from Governor Stein represents a renewed and intensified effort to garner public assistance.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving such serious crimes, stating, “We must use every tool at our disposal to pursue justice for victims. I urge North Carolinians who have information about these cases to contact local law enforcement and help us provide closure to victims’ families.” This statement highlights the collective responsibility in ensuring that justice is served for violent crimes across North Carolina. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is actively involved in the ongoing efforts to resolve this case.
Community and Family’s Enduring Grief
The impact of John Luke Moore’s death continues to weigh heavily on his family and friends. His brother, Stephan Moore, has publicly expressed the family’s deep and enduring grief, noting that the pain of their loss is as fresh now as it was when Moore died. The family’s primary concern remains that the case might go silent without resolution, and they have vowed not to rest until justice is found for Moore. The community has also felt the profound loss of a vital and beloved member, whose positive influence extended far beyond his barbershop. Unsolved homicides leave lasting scars on communities, undermining the sense of safety and justice. The hope is that this substantial reward will invigorate the investigation and provide the critical information needed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
How to Provide Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information concerning the murder of John Luke Moore to come forward. Information can be provided to the Gastonia Police Department at (704) 866-6890 or the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) at (919) 662-4500. Officials have emphasized that anonymous tips will remain anonymous, ensuring the safety and privacy of those who provide information. Every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial in piecing together the events of that night and leading to an arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the latest development in the John Luke Moore murder case?
- Governor Josh Stein has announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the July 2021 murder of Gastonia barber John Luke Moore.
- Who was John Luke Moore?
- John Luke Moore, also known as Johnny Lee, was a 32-year-old beloved Gastonia barber and a father of a teenage son.
- When and how was John Luke Moore killed?
- John Luke Moore was shot and killed during a home invasion on July 26, 2021, at his residence on Allison Avenue in Gastonia.
- Are there any suspects identified in the case?
- Surveillance footage shows three masked suspects breaking into Moore’s home and fleeing the scene; however, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved.
- How can the public provide information about the case?
- Anyone with information should contact the Gastonia Police Department at (704) 866-6890 or the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) at (919) 662-4500.
- Will tipsters’ identities remain anonymous?
- Officials have emphasized that anonymous tips will remain anonymous.
Key Features of the John Luke Moore Murder Case
| Feature | Detail | Scope of Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | John Luke Moore (also known as Johnny Lee) | Local |
| Victim’s Age | 32 years old | Local |
| Crime Date | July 26, 2021 | Local |
| Crime Location | Allison Avenue, Gastonia, North Carolina | Local |
| Circumstances of Death | Shot and killed during a home invasion | Local |
| Reward Amount | Up to $25,000 | State-level |
| Reward Authority | Governor Josh Stein | State-level |
| Suspect Information | Three masked individuals seen in surveillance footage | Local |
| Current Status | Unsolved case, no arrests made | Local |
| Contact for Information | Gastonia Police Department (704) 866-6890; State Bureau of Investigation (919) 662-4500 | State-level |
| Anonymity for Tips | Anonymous tips will remain anonymous | State-level |
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Increase in Reward for Information on Gastonia Murder
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