Gastonia, December 30, 2025
A reward of up to $25,000 is now being offered for information leading to an arrest in the unsolved murder of John Luke Moore, a well-loved barber in Gastonia. This announcement by Governor Josh Stein aims to encourage the community to assist in solving this tragic case that has deeply impacted Moore’s family and friends. Moore was fatally shot during a home invasion in 2021, and despite previous efforts, no arrests have been made.
Gastonia
A significant reward has been increased to up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in the unsolved murder of John Luke Moore, a beloved Gastonia barber who was killed during a home invasion in July 2021. This latest development, announced by Governor Josh Stein, underscores the ongoing commitment to bringing justice in a case that has deeply affected the community and Moore’s family. The heightened reward is a renewed effort to encourage anyone with crucial details to come forward and help solve this persistent mystery.
Investigation into the 2021 Home Invasion
John Luke Moore, also known as Johnny Lee, was 32 years old when he was fatally shot during a home invasion on July 26, 2021. The incident occurred at his residence on Allison Avenue near North Chester Street. Authorities have previously released surveillance footage depicting three masked individuals breaking into Moore’s home on the night of the murder and subsequently fleeing the scene. Despite these efforts and the passage of time, no arrests have been made, and the case remains open.
Community Mourns a Beloved Figure
Moore was widely remembered as a cherished member of the Gastonia community. Friends and family described him as a selfless individual who was more than just a barber; he was a trusted confidant and a source of joy for countless customers and friends. His brother, Stephan Moore, has consistently emphasized John’s role as a “therapist” and “servant” to those who sat in his chair, highlighting the profound void his death left behind. Moore left behind a young son, and his family continues to grapple with the grief of his untimely passing, reiterating their determination to find justice.
Ongoing Search for Justice
The announcement of the elevated reward by Governor Stein is the latest in a series of efforts to garner public assistance. Previously, Moore’s family initiated a $5,000 reward on the third anniversary of his death. In November 2024, additional contributions, including those from sympathetic strangers, increased this amount to $7,000. The Gastonia Police Department further raised the reward to $9,000 in September 2025, also sharing details about how tipsters could maintain anonymity. Governor Stein emphasized the necessity of using every available tool to pursue justice for victims and urged North Carolinians with information to contact law enforcement.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. The Gastonia Police Department has assured that individuals providing tips through CrimeStoppers can remain completely anonymous. The process ensures that tipsters’ identities are protected, even from investigators, and provides a secure method for collecting any approved reward without requiring identification or direct contact with police.
How to Provide Information
Anyone possessing information regarding the murder of John Luke Moore is urged to contact CrimeStoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Tips can also be directed to Detective Houser with the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702. The family and authorities remain hopeful that this significantly increased reward will be the catalyst needed to secure the information necessary for an arrest and finally bring closure to Moore’s loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new reward amount offered for information about John Luke Moore’s death?
- The reward has been increased to up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in the unsolved murder of John Luke Moore.
- Who announced the increased reward?
- Governor Josh Stein announced the increased reward.
- When did John Luke Moore die?
- John Luke Moore was fatally shot on July 26, 2021, during a home invasion.
- Where did the home invasion occur?
- The home invasion occurred at his residence on Allison Avenue near North Chester Street in Gastonia.
- Are there any suspects identified in the case?
- Camera footage showed three masked suspects fleeing the scene after the shooting.
- How can individuals provide information anonymously?
- Individuals with information can contact CrimeStoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. Tips can also be directed to Detective Houser with the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702. The Gastonia Police Department emphasizes that tips to CrimeStoppers can remain anonymous.
- What was John Luke Moore’s profession?
- John Luke Moore was a beloved Gastonia barber.
Key Features of the John Luke Moore Case
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | John Luke Moore (also known as Johnny Lee) | Local |
| Age at Death | 32 years old | Local |
| Date of Death | July 26, 2021 | Local |
| Cause of Death | Fatally shot during a home invasion | Local |
| Location of Incident | Gastonia, Allison Avenue near North Chester Street | Local |
| Latest Reward Amount | Up to $25,000 | State-level |
| Announced By | Governor Josh Stein | State-level |
| Known Suspects | Three masked individuals (seen in surveillance footage) | Local |
| Contact for Tips (CrimeStoppers) | 704-861-8000 | State-level (Gaston County CrimeStoppers) |
| Contact for Tips (Gastonia Police) | Detective Houser at 704-866-6702 | Local |
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