On Friday (07/31) Catawba County Sheriff’s Investigators located the body of Robin Doyle in a wooded area in Northeastern Catawba County. Doyle was reported missing on Tuesday the 28th. Authorities are not releasing the cause of death at this time. The manner of death is suspected to be
homicide.
54 year old Leroy Allen Loper, who was arrested on Wednesday the 29th on unrelated sex offender registry violations, has been charged with Felony Murder, First Degree Kidnapping and Concealment of Death in the Abduction and Murder of Doyle.
Loper, a registered sex offender with prior felony convictions for 1st Degree Kidnapping and 2nd Degree Forcible Sexual Offense, is being held with no bond in the Catawba County Detention Facility.
Loper has a first appearance in Catawba County District Court on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Catawba County District Attorney’s Office & Surry County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance as this investigation continues.
“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.” – Sheriff Don Brown
