Robin Doyle (58) found murdered after allegedly being kidnapped by sex offender

[Bewitchingstorm]

Robin M. Doyle, 58, was reported missing on Tuesday from a home on 33rd Street NE in Hickory, located in the Crestmont development, deputies said.

Investigators with the sheriff’s office stated that her disappearance is suspicious.

Doyle was last seen by a family member around 5 p.m. on Monday, the day before deputies responded to the report.

Her car was found at the home where she lives with her father.

Elbert Short, her father, says she worked early, and when he saw it in the driveway, he called her phone and found it there, as well.

Elbert Short says he called for help Tuesday morning after finding the back door to his home open and bricks scattered on the walkway.

“I’m worried,” Short said. “I’m worried. Something is wrong. She wouldn’t have left the door open, and she wouldn’t have left her phone here.”

Doyle worked as a manager at the Propst store on Springs Road, arriving at around 4 a.m. every morning, seven days a week. She was well-known by her customers. Her coworkers say she’d never miss work.

Doyle is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/fo...LZJYNL4JMWTXY/

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.wbtv.com/2026/07/30/pers...-what-we-know/

The sheriff’s office said foul play could not be ruled out. Deputies suspect that Doyle was possibly kidnapped from her home on Tuesday.

On Thursday, July 30, the sheriff’s office identified 54-year-old Leroy Allen Loper as a person of interest.

Loper is a registered sex-offender with felony convictions for first-degree kidnapping and second-degree forcible sexual offense.

On Wednesday, July 29, Loper was arrested on unrelated sex offender registry violations.

Loper is being held on a $200,000 secured bond.

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone with information about Loper specifically from July 27 to July 29 to contact the sheriff’s office.

[Bewitchingstorm]

That is scary. I wonder if they knew one another or if it was completely random.

[raisedbywolves]

That is scary. I wonder if they knew one another or if it was completely random.

I wondered that too.

The fact that this man has previous felony convictions for First-Degree Kidnapping and Second-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense, and was out walking around to victimize someone else makes me sick. And he obviously wasn't even registered like he was supposed to be, and it took this happening for someone to notice.

[Bewitchingstorm]

I wondered that too.

The fact that this man has previous felony convictions for First-Degree Kidnapping and Second-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense, and was out walking around to victimize someone else makes me sick. And he obviously wasn't even registered like he was supposed to be, and it took this happening for someone to notice.

I know. Random acts of violence and/or crimes always freak me out.

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.wbtv.com/2026/07/31/body...missing-woman/

A woman’s body was found in Catawba County Friday afternoon during a days-long search for a missing woman who was “possibly kidnapped” this week, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators said they found the body of the deceased woman in the woods of northeastern Catawba County on Friday, July 31, while following leads in the search for 58-year-old Robin Doyle.

The sheriff’s office said officials were working to confirm the identity of the body with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

https://www.wbtv.com/2026/07/31/body...uled-homicide/

A body found Friday afternoon in Catawba County has been identified as missing 56-year-old Robin Doyle, whose death has been ruled a homicide.

[Bewitchingstorm]

Very sad. I am happy they were able to find her.

[Nic B]

Was she 56 or 58? It's so odd to me that a sex offender went after someone older....though I guess it doesn't always mean children, but that's always my first thought.

[raisedbywolves]

Was she 56 or 58? It's so odd to me that a sex offender went after someone older....though I guess it doesn't always mean children, but that's always my first thought.

Do you think that old people cross some line where we become immune to sex offenders and crime?!

[Nic B]

Do you think that old people cross some line where we become immune to sex offenders and crime?!

I can only hope...haha. I just mean when I think of registered sex offenders, I always just assume child predators. Though, I know that's not always the case, but just where my mind goes to. If I seem someone on Megan's Law, I immediately think, gotta keep your kids away from that guy! (or girl).

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.wect.com/2026/08/04/pure...nd-dead-woods/

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.

“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.