GASTONIA, N.C. — The family of a beloved Gastonia barber who was shot and killed during a home invasion is offering more money for information that finds his killer.
Johnny Lee Moore, who was also known as John Luke, was killed in July 2021. He was 32 years old. On the third anniversary of his death, Moore's family announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. On Tuesday, Gastonia Police said the family was putting up another $2,000, raising the total reward to $7,000.
Moore's family told WCNC Charlotte that the grief of losing their loved one is as fresh now as it was when he died. The 32-year-old left behind a young son who's still learning how loved his father was and how much he meant to the community.
"We grieve every day because there is a piece of our family that is no longer there," Stephan Moore, John's brother, said.
Friends and family described Moore as selfless, saying he'd give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. And he was more than a barber. He was a trusted confidant for countless customers and friends.
“He felt being a barber, he was going to be a therapist, a servant someone who provided an outlet for every individual who came to sit in his chair,” Stephan added.
Moore's brother says he was killed in a senseless act of violence. He said the family won't rest until they find justice.
"My biggest concern is the case will go silent," he said. "I don't want that to be the case."
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Gastonia police at 704-866-6702.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.