In the spring of 2014, a domestic tragedy unfolded in Louisville, Kentucky, ending the life of 37-year-old De'Andre Starling. On March 18th, police were called to a residence in the 900 block of 42nd Street, near Garland Avenue. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Starling and his 35-year-old girlfriend, Jacinta Malone. The couple's 11-month-old son was also found in the home, physically unharmed in his crib.
He was taken to a local children's hospital as a precautionary measure.
Investigators determined that the incident was a murder-suicide. Evidence indicated that Malone had shot Starling multiple times before turning the weapon on herself. Prior to taking her own life, Malone had contacted 911 to report the shooting. While police had been called to the couple's home for domestic complaints in the past, there were no official records of substantiated domestic violence or any active emergency protective orders. It was reported that the couple's relationship had been deteriorating, which may have been a contributing factor to the tragic events.
Following the investigation, Jacinta Malone was identified as the sole perpetrator in the death of De'Andre Starling. As the case was classified as a murder-suicide, no other suspects were sought, and no arrests were made. The infant was placed in the care of Child Protective Services while arrangements were made with family members. De'Andre Starling was survived by his wife and five children, as well as several siblings. His family remembered him as a caring father, and they were left in shock and grief by the sudden and violent loss. Funeral services were held at G.C. Williams Funeral Home, and he was buried in Green Meadows Cemetery.
