Alabama man and brother sentenced in shooting death of his ex-wife over child, spousal support

DOTHAN, Ala. (TCD) -- A 50-year-old man and his 54-year-old brother will spend the rest of their lives in prison for carrying out a plot to kill the younger man’s ex-wife after their divorce.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama, a federal judge sentenced Jason Starr and Darin Starr on Friday, Jan. 5, to life in prison in connection with the 2017 shooting death of Jason Starr’s ex-wife, identified by WTVY-TV as 38-year-old fourth grade teacher Sara Starr. Jason Starr will also have to a pay a $25,000 fine. The FBI noted there is no parole in the federal system.

A jury previously convicted the brothers of the murder-for-hire plot in September.

In 2017, Jason Starr and Sara Starr were going through a divorce. A judge reportedly granted Sara Starr $2,550 a month in spousal and child support, and Jason Starr became upset.

Following the divorce, prosecutors said Jason Starr gave $2,600 to his brother, Darin Starr, from September 2017 until November 2017. The brother traveled from Texas to Alabama numerous times, often near Sara Starr’s home, according to cellphone records obtained by prosecutors.

On the morning of Nov. 27, 2017, Darin Starr shot his former sister-in-law on the driveway of her home as she was leaving for work, the attorney’s office said. Darin Starr reportedly had his phone shut off at approximately midnight on Nov. 27 and turned it back on at approximately 8 a.m. as he was driving back to Texas.

The FBI listed Darin Starr on their Most Wanted list, but he eventually turned himself in to authorities in Texas in February 2022.

A federal jury determined Jason Starr sent the money to Darin Starr as payment to carry out his ex-wife’s killing.

According to court records obtained by WTVY, during their divorce, Sara Starr reportedly had to live in her church’s parsonage, and she was struggling financially. The mother of four reportedly wanted her personal items, but she was worried what her ex-husband might do.

Sara Starr’s co-workers found her body when they went to check on her after she failed to show up for work, WTVY reports.

During sentencing, one of Jason and Sara Starr’s daughters reportedly addressed her father, stating, "You are useless." Another daughter said in court, "F--k you, I hope you rot," according to WTVY.

In a statement, acting United States Attorney Ross said, "This premeditated murder devastated the victim’s family and the surrounding community."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, "Due to the extraordinary work by the investigative team comprised of the FBI, Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, these two men will be held accountable for their heinous actions."

MORE:

• Coffee County Man and His Brother Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Carrying Out a Murder-for-Hire Plot - U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama
• Coffee County Man and His Brother Found Guilty of Carrying Out a Murder-for-Hire Plot, 9/20/2023 - U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama
• Daughter tells killer father, “F*** You” - WTVY
• Wanted by the FBI, 2/2/2022 - FBI Mobile
• News Release - FBI Mobile
• Alabama man accused of killing former sister-in-law in murder-for-hire plot turns himself in, 2/7/2022 - TCD