Cleveland Co. Jury Finds Man Guilty In 15-Year-Old's Drinking Death

A Cleveland County jury found a Lexington man guilty Thursday, in connection to the death of 15-year-old Nick Faught. The teen died in 2015 from alcohol poisoning after attending a party Justin Moore and his now ex-girlfriend allowed at their home.

The jury went into deliberations around 10:45 a.m. Thursday and came back with a unanimous guilty verdict four hours later. Moore’s trial started on Monday.

“We prayed,” said the victim’s uncle Joe Faught. “That God’s will be done and justice would be served.”  

Faught’s nephew died from alcohol poisoning. Police said Moore and his now ex-girlfriend Tonya Moss allowed underage drinking at a party and then left their Lexington home after finding Faught dead in the bathroom. 

“Left those kids to answer to the mess and police,” said Faught. “Those kids will never be the same.”

Faught said his nephew excelled at sports and had big rodeo aspirations.  

“He was a football star, a baseball star, aspiring rodeo calf roper,” said Faught. “The guy was a hunter, a fisherman. Love his family.”

The victim’s family had to re-live painful memories during Moore's four-day long trial. Something they did not have to do for the other defendant. Moss plead guilty last year and is sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Faught said he thought Moore would face a similar punishment. The jury recommended Moore serve eight years in prison for permitting underage drinking and child neglect. He also faces a $500 fine for transporting a firearm.  

“Putting him in prison for life wouldn’t bring Nick back,” said Faught. “Eight years is definitely better than no time at all. So, we’ll accept what the jury has decided and we’ll go on with our lives.”

Moore will be sentenced Nov. 1.