Murder Charge Filed In Death Of Hickory Woman

ᴄᴀᴛᴀᴡʙᴀ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛʏ, ɴᴄ- Leroy Allen Loper has been charged with Felony Murder, First Degree Kidnapping and Concealment of Death in the Abduction and Murder of Robin Doyle.

Loper, 54, 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.