Norfolk, VA – A Virginia couple is facing prison time for the beating and strangulation death of 45-year-old Jose Moreno, a disabled man they had taken in from their church. Authorities say the Lynches killed Moreno after he refused to use his disability check to cover living expenses at their Norfolk apartment.
Victim and Defendants
Kristie Marie Lynch, 45, was found guilty of first-degree murder last week. Her husband, James Christian Lynch, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder earlier this year and received a 25-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors said the couple met Moreno in 2022 at their church and invited him to live with them because he had “nowhere to go.” Moreno relied on a walker due to a physical disability, and the Lynches required him to pay them from his disability benefits as part of his living arrangement.
Circumstances Leading to Murder
In the days before Moreno’s death, authorities say James Lynch repeatedly beat Moreno with a frying pan and a baseball bat, and eventually strangled him with a belt and a dog leash. Prosecutors believe Moreno likely died on August 9, 2023.
James Lynch admitted to police that he and his wife physically “punished” Moreno multiple times for not paying, failing household chores, and speaking Spanish around them. The Lynches did not seek medical attention for Moreno because they feared arrest, and they waited two days to call 911 after consulting a pastor.
Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings
Police found Moreno naked and covered in bruises, cuts, and ligature marks on his neck. The autopsy determined that his death resulted from a combination of strangulation and blunt force trauma.
Kristie Lynch claimed Moreno had attacked and sexually assaulted her, while James Lynch said Moreno fought back with “demon-like strength”, despite being nearly a foot shorter and over 150 pounds lighter than the victim.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
The Lynches were initially charged with second-degree murder but were later indicted for first-degree murder.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi said:
“The suffering that the Lynches inflicted on Mr. Moreno — a disabled man they claimed to have been ‘helping’ — is truly shocking. To beat and strangle someone to death requires sustained determination to inflict pain and kill.”
Kristie Lynch’s sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2026.
Community Reaction
Friends and members of Moreno’s church took to social media to mourn his death. One wrote:
“This is absolutely disgusting! Jose was such a special part of our church family.”
Another said:
“He did not deserve this at all. He was always smiling.”
Moreno’s family and friends described him as kind, happy, and devoted to his church community.
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