Suspect charged after killing stepson, hurting wife in Union County domestic dispute: Sheriff
WAXHAW, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man is arrested after killing his stepson and attempting to kill his wife during a domestic dispute, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday night, deputies responded to a house on the 6600 block of Forest Green Drive in Mineral Springs, near Waxhaw, to investigate a shooting that stemmed from a dispute between family members.
When they arrived, 29-year-old Justine Starnes was found near the back of the residence with a gunshot wound. He died at the scene, officials said.
Deputies also found the suspect’s wife inside the home with a head injury. She was immediately taken to a local hospital where she is expected to be OK.
Homicide investigation underway at 7-Eleven in Huntersville, police say
Detectives were able to identify the suspect as 62-year-old Jeffery Lemmond who was not at the home when they arrived. Officials found him a short time later at another family member’s house in Monroe.
Lemmonds was transported to the Union County Detention Center where he is being held without bond for the charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
“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,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said. “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.”
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call 911, UCSO at 704-283-3789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
