Elena Moore’s husband “not doing well” — planned on spending rest of his life with her, friend says

Despite finding a body with clothing matching Alina Moore's, a positive identification was not immediately made. Private Investigator Henry Dukes explained that the condition of the body after six days in high summer temperatures could necessitate dental records or fingerprints for identification, a process not always as quick as depicted on TV. Full autopsy results, especially toxicology, can take weeks or even months.

Dukes states, 'none of us know the condition of the body they found... It can take a while to do a positive ID through fingerprints, through teeth, um dental records.' He adds that toxicology reports 'takes a considerable amount of time.'

The body believed to be Alina Moore was found in a publicly accessible area, specifically off a bridge over 14 Mile Creek. This location is a short distance, estimated at a 10-15 minute walk, from the Publix where Alina was last seen on security footage, placing the discovery close to her last known movements.

Dukes describes the location as 'right off of that the little overpass bridge' over 14 Mile Creek, approximately '8 and 12 ft' high, and 'quarter mile at the most' or a '10-minute walk' from the Publix.

Henry Dukes, a long-time friend and former colleague of Alina's husband, Brandon, strongly defends him against public accusations and claims by a friend, Sandra, that Alina was scared and planning to separate. Dukes portrays Brandon as a 'great individual' who is profoundly grieving, and dismisses Sandra's statements as lacking factual basis, noting she had not been interviewed by law enforcement.

Dukes states, 'He's not doing good at all. I mean, he's grieving.' He planned on spending the rest of his life with this woman.' Regarding Sandra, he says, 'She doesn't know the facts. She admitted that in your interview. Again, if she was such a close friend, law enforcement would have already talked to her.'

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the case, which is explained as a standard and appropriate measure. This is partly due to Brandon's past as a Lexington County Sheriff's Office deputy and current private investigator, which could create a perceived conflict of interest for local agencies. Additionally, SLED offers superior resources, including a dedicated crime lab, 24-hour crime scene personnel, and investigators across the state.

Dukes explains, 'Because he was previous law enforcement, who can who who who should be the proper agency to investigate this?' He adds that SLED has 'the crime lab. They have 24-hour crime scene people. They have investigators all over the state of South Carolina.'