An Alabama man hired his brother to kill his ex-wife after a divorce court awarded her a significant amount of his assets and benefits. Now, both men will spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Austin Huffaker handed Jason Starr, 50, and Darin Starr, 54, a life term in federal prison, which has no parole for the shooting death of Sara Starr. After nine days of trial, a jury found the star brothers guilty of racketeering murder.
“This premeditated murder devastated the victim’s family and the surrounding community. Jason and Darin Starr deserve to spend the rest of their lives separated from society for the terrible crime they committed,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
On Nov. 27, 2017, officers responded to a Chancellor home in Coffee Springs after the victim's colleagues did a welfare check at the residence because she never showed up for work. Upon their arrival, they found Sara’s body in her driveway under her carport with gunshot wounds. An autopsy report showed the victim was shot twice at point-blank range.
Soon, witnesses identified Jason Starr as a suspect since the contentious divorce proceeding ended four months before the fatal incident. However, investigators discovered Jason Starr had a solid alibi and was at a diner eating when the shooting occurred, reported News 4. During the investigation, authorities found out Jason Starr had contracted his brother, who had a violent criminal history and was a resident of Lakehill, Texas, to kill his ex-wife.
According to prosecutors, Jason Star had wired $2,600 to his brother as payment in addition to a motorcycle. Though Darin Starr’s phone was turned off during the shooting, prosecutors submitted his phone records to the jury that showed his travel from Texas to Sara Starr’s a couple of times before the incident. Darin Starr had never met his brother’s ex-wife before.
Authorities believe the motive for the killing stemmed from the divorce court order in favor of Sara Starr. The court had ordered the defendant to pay his ex-wife $1,050 a month in child support and $1,500 in alimony in addition to a portion of his military benefits.
Sara Starr was a mother of four and a fourth-grade teacher at Harrand Creek Elementary School in Enterprise.
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