In the early morning hours of May 29, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at the intersection of Carver Avenue and King Street in Atmore, Alabama. When the shots ceased, 31-year-old Robert Mario Starks had been fatally wounded. The shooting, which occurred around 2:15 a.m., also left another individual with serious injuries. First responders rushed both victims to Atmore Community Hospital, where Starks succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that an argument led to the
exchange of gunfire, and tragically, Starks was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Authorities believe a bullet from a multiple-caliber AR-15 rifle struck Starks in the back as he stood near one of the intended targets. The bullet passed through his body before striking a nearby vehicle. Several other vehicles were also damaged during the incident.
In the weeks and months that followed, the Atmore Police Department identified and arrested two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting. The first suspect, 44-year-old Eric Depaul Mitchell, was taken into custody on June 29. Later, on October 4, police arrested a second suspect, 42-year-old Wiley Black Tait Jr. Both men face charges of murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and discharging a firearm within the city limits.
Following their arrests, both Mitchell and Tait were released on bond. Mitchell's bond was set at $250,000, and he was released on July 7. Tait was freed on a $100,000 bond two days after his arrest. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released by law enforcement as the investigation continues.
