Claude Mitchell "Mitch" Bailey, a 70-year-old white male from Mooresboro, NC, passed away on December 15, 2022. Born on December 16, 1951, in Rutherford County, NC, Mitch was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Mooresboro, NC, and was known for his love of building things out of scrap materials and tinkering with small engines.
Mitch was also passionate about old muscle cars, especially Mustangs, and had a knack for making people laugh. He is survived by his wife, Debra Callahan Bailey, and his children and grandchildren.
On December 15, 2022, Mitch Bailey was found dead in his Mooresboro home. The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office received a call about shots fired at around 3:30 p.m. When deputies arrived, they discovered Mitch Bailey deceased inside the house. The investigation led to the arrest of David Allen Starnes, a 54-year-old male from Forest City, who was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Mitch Bailey's death. Starnes was apprehended on December 17, 2022, in the parking lot of a Food Lion in Forest City. He is currently being held in the Cleveland County detention center without bond, and his next court date is scheduled for January 12.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to Mitch Bailey's tragic death. Starnes' bail was set at $2 million during a March hearing, where details of the case were revealed. The community of Mooresboro mourns the loss of Mitch Bailey, a beloved husband, father, and friend.
