On May 21, 2023, 18-year-old La'Karia Nakoie Moore from Lubbock, Texas, was reported missing. She was last seen in the early hours of that day, leaving a party with her boyfriend, 40-year-old Christopher Carter. The following day, her body was discovered in the trunk of Carter's vehicle near North County Road 3000 and East County Road 6650, just outside Lubbock.
Investigations quickly identified Carter as the primary suspect in Moore's death. A search of his residence revealed ammunition, shell casings, and cleaning supplies such as bleach and Pine Sol, indicating an attempt to conceal evidence. Additionally, a bloody blanket and towels were found in a dumpster behind his home. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots from Carter's residence on the night of Moore's disappearance.
As the investigation progressed, authorities issued a warrant for Carter's arrest on charges of first-degree murder. However, on July 31, 2023, before he could be apprehended, Carter was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a room at the Stadium Motel in Lubbock.
Further developments led to the arrest of two individuals accused of assisting Carter. On August 2, 2023, 29-year-old Tahdeejah Washington-Harris was arrested and charged with hindering the apprehension of a known felon, as she had provided Carter with money and arranged hotel accommodations to help him evade arrest. Additionally, 37-year-old Jermaal Riggins pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence related to Moore's murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving a 15-year prison sentence.
Moore's tragic death deeply affected her family and the Lubbock community. Her mother, La'Desia Dial, expressed profound grief and a determination to seek justice for her daughter, emphasizing the need for all individuals involved to be held accountable. A Celebration of Life Service was held on June 2, 2023, at Greater St. Luke Baptist Church, honoring Moore's memory and the impact she had on those who knew her.
