NORFOLK, VA – A Virginia couple will serve lengthy prison sentences for the brutal killing of a disabled man they once called a friend and invited into their home.

Kristie Marie Lynch, 45, was convicted last week of first-degree murder in the 2023 death of 45-year-old Jose Moreno. Her husband, James Christian Lynch, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was handed a 25-year sentence.

Authorities say the Lynches met Moreno at a local church in 2022. Moreno, who lived with a physical disability and relied on a walker, reportedly had nowhere else to go, prompting the couple to offer him a place to stay at their apartment. In exchange, the Lynches expected Moreno’s disability payments to cover living expenses.

Over time, what began as an act of charity turned into a horrific ordeal for Moreno. Prosecutors detailed a pattern of escalating violence, with James Lynch admitting he and his wife subjected Moreno to repeated physical attacks when he failed to give them money or complete chores, and for speaking Spanish in their presence.

In the days leading up to Moreno’s death in August 2023, investigators say the abuse became even more severe. James Lynch struck Moreno with a frying pan, inflicting grave head injuries, and later refused to take him to the hospital, fearing arrest. The violence escalated as Moreno was also beaten with a baseball bat and eventually strangled with a belt and dog leash. Investigators believe these assaults culminated in Moreno’s death on August 9.

Despite Moreno’s dire condition, the couple waited two days to report his death. Only after consulting with a pastor, who urged them to contact authorities, did they call 911. Upon arrival, Norfolk police discovered Moreno’s body, unclothed and marked by bruises, cuts, and ligature marks around his neck. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a combination of strangulation and blunt force trauma.

Kristie Lynch claimed that Moreno had assaulted her and suggested that her husband should “man up” and confront him. James Lynch, in statements to police, alleged Moreno fought back with considerable force, though prosecutors noted Moreno was significantly smaller in stature and mobility was limited by his disability.

Both Kristie and James Lynch were initially arrested on second-degree murder charges, but a grand jury later elevated the charges to first-degree murder as the extent of the abuse came to light.

News of Moreno’s death shocked those who knew him from church and the local community. Friends described Moreno as gentle and cheerful, sharing tributes and expressing disbelief and outrage on social media.

While James Lynch is already serving his 25-year sentence, Kristie Lynch awaits sentencing scheduled for early 2026. Prosecutors described the case as particularly harrowing due to the sustained suffering inflicted upon a vulnerable individual by those who claimed to help him.

Officials continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding those with disabilities and encourage anyone aware of abuse to contact authorities.