Late yesterday evening, UCSO deputies were called to a home in the 6600 block of Forest Green Drive in Mineral Springs to investigate a shooting incident that stemmed from a dispute between family members. Upon their arrival, deputies found 29-year-old Justin Starnes lying near the back of the home with an apparent gunshot wound. Deputies and Union EMS personnel began rendering aid to Starnes, but ultimately, he succumbed to his injuries. Deputies also located the assailant’s wife inside of the home who was suffering from a severe head injury. She was immediately transported to a local hospital for advanced medical care and is expected to survive.

UCSO detectives and Crime Laboratory personnel were called to take over the investigation and evidence gathered at the scene allowed them to quickly identify the assailant in this case as 62-year-old Jeffery Lemmonds. Prior to law enforcement's initial arrival, Lemmonds had fled the home in his vehicle and was located a short time later at another family member’s home in Monroe. He was taken into custody and transported to the Union County Detention Center where he was charged with one count of First-Degree Murder and one count of Attempted First Degree Murder. He is currently being held without bond. The investigation into this matter is ongoing and is in the very early stages. This is an isolated incident and there are no other known threats to our community.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds “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. 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 with information about this case is asked to immediately call 911, the UCSO’s Main Office at (704)283-3789, or Union County Crime Stoppers at (704)283-5600. Tips can also be submitted through the UCSO ‘s free smartphone application, which can be downloaded using the links below.

Sheriff’s App Download Links
- Android Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocvapps.a845
- Apple/iOS Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/union-county-sheriff-nc/id1660816160

The point of contact for this release is Lt. James Maye at (704)506-6843