In the fall of 2018, the life of 21-year-old Sabrina Brook Starr was tragically cut short in her Springfield, Missouri, home. Her death was the final act in a violent chain of events that began with a dispute between roommates.
The tragic story began on November 1, 2018, when Luis Perez, after being evicted from the home he shared with Steven Marler and Aaron “Joshua” Hampton, returned and opened fire.
Marler, 38, and Hampton, 23, were killed in the attack, and two other individuals were seriously injured. In the immediate aftermath of these shootings, Perez sought refuge at the home of Sabrina Starr.
Just a day later, on November 2, 2018, Sabrina Starr was found deceased in her own residence, having been shot multiple times. Investigators quickly linked her murder to the events of the previous day. Evidence suggested that Starr had provided Perez with the weapon used in the initial double homicide. Shell casings found at the scene of Starr's murder matched those from the earlier crime scene. Authorities believe Perez killed Starr to eliminate her as a witness.
The investigation led to the arrest of Luis Perez, who was charged with three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Starr, Marler, and Hampton, in addition to two counts of assault for the injuries sustained by the other two victims. Another man, Aaron Anderson, was charged as an accomplice in the murders of Marler and Hampton. A third individual, Dalia Garcia, was charged with tampering with evidence for helping Perez burn clothing and other items connected to the crimes. In October 2022, Luis Perez was found guilty on all counts and was subsequently sentenced to five consecutive life sentences for his role in the three murders and two assaults.
