UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Union County man is accused of not only killing another family member when an argument turned deadly Tuesday night, but also of hurting his own wife after leaving the scene.
The Union County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to a home along Forest Green Drive in the Mineral Springs community, about 2 miles northeast of Waxhaw. They found 29-year-old Justin Starnes lying near the back of the home with an apparent gunshot wound. While first responders did give him aid, Starnes died at the scene.
Deputies also said a woman, who was the wife of the assailant, had a severe head injury. She was rushed to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The sheriff's office said they identified the assailant as 62-year-old Jeffery Lemmonds. He had left the house before first responders arrived and was found shortly after at a relative's home in Monroe. Lemmonds was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He remains in jail and is held under no bond.
“This incident escalated to an unnecessary level when the suspect introduced a gun and fired multiple shots in a reckless manner in an effort to kill members of his own family," said Sheriff Eddie Cathey in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their other family members as they begin to mourn this tragic loss and recover from the injuries sustained during this incident. I ask that anyone with information that will help our investigators in this case contact my office without delay.”
Anyone who can offer further details for the investigation can either call 911, the main office at (704) 283-3789, or by calling Union County Crime Stoppers at (704) 283-5600. Tips can also be uploaded to the office's free app for both iOS and Android smartphones.
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