‘Pure evil’: Sex offender charged after missing woman found dead in woods

HICKORY, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - A 54-year-old registered sex offender has been charged with murder and kidnapping in the death of a 56-year-old woman found in the woods Friday.

Leroy Loper, 54, is charged with felony murder, first-degree kidnapping and concealment of death in the abduction and murder of 56-year-old Robin Doyle.

Doyle was reported missing from her home on July 28. She was last seen by a family member on July 27.

Loper, who has prior felony convictions, was arrested Wednesday on unrelated sex offender registry violations and held under a $200,000 secured bond.

On Thursday, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office named Loper a person of interest in her disappearance.

Doyle’s body was found in the woods on Friday.

“We are deeply saddened for Robin Doyle’s family as they continue to endure an unimaginable loss. While today’s charges mark a significant step in this investigation, they cannot undo the pain this family has suffered. The acts in this case represent pure evil, and those responsible will be held fully accountable under the law. This investigation remains active, and we will continue pursuing every fact until justice is fully served,” Rock Hill Sheriff Don Brown said.

Doyle’s death has been ruled a homicide, but officials have not released the cause of death.