Suspects Plead Guilty In 2013 Machete Murder Case

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC — The two suspects charged with killing a man in June of 2013 with a machete have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and property crimes.

Earl Moore, Jr. and Jenny Childress, both of Lenoir, pleaded guilty Tuesday to the murder of 34-year-old Raoul Dula. Moore, 40, was sentenced to 23-28 years in prison, and Childress, 39, was sentenced to 18-22 years in prison.

Officials say Dula was killed in the early morning hours of June 20, 2013. Investigators say his mutilated body went unidentified for several hours due to the extent of injuries.

On June 19, Dula and a family member were reportedly hanging out with Moore and Childress while engaging in drinking and drug related activities. Dula was left alone, officials say, after his family member was given money to go purchase drugs but never returned.

The prosecution presented evidence that included text messages between Moore and Childress outlining a rough plan to kill Dula. Prosecutors say the group also stopped at some point that night for Moore to purchase a two feet long machete.

That same machete was later found in the Mill Pond in Granite Falls, according to investigators, wrapped in a unique pair of jeans worn by Dula on the day leading up to his death.

According to the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office, the medical examiner could not definitively conclude the machete was the murder weapon, and no blood was found in the car used on the night of the murder or on any of the clothing worn by Moore and Childress.

The DA says the lack of scientific evidence, mental acuity on the part of Moore and variations in Childress’ story about events leading up to Dula’s death all played a role in their plea negotiations.