In the early morning hours of July 7, 2020, the life of Wayne Lamont Starks Jr., a 25-year-old Black/African American male known to his loved ones as 'Lil Weezy,' was cut short in Winchester, Virginia. Authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 2:05 a.m. reporting an accidental shooting at a residence on Diamond Court. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Starks in the back of a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his neck and throat area.
Another male was present, attempting to apply pressure to the wound.
Witnesses at the scene informed investigators that Starks had been shot inside the basement of the house. In an attempt to get him to the hospital, he was moved to the vehicle. Emergency medical services arrived shortly after law enforcement and transported Starks to the Winchester Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The initial report of an accidental shooting quickly evolved as investigators began to process the scene.
Inside the residence, law enforcement found at least five other individuals who were present at the time of the shooting. A Walther PPS 9mm semi-automatic pistol, believed to be the weapon involved, was discovered in plain view. The scene also yielded additional firearms, as well as possible narcotics and drug paraphernalia, prompting investigators to secure search warrants for the dwelling. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office stated that they would be treating the death of Wayne Lamont Starks Jr. as a homicide until evidence could prove otherwise. Despite the initial persons of interest present at the scene, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests or charges filed in connection with the shooting. The investigation into his death remains without a publicly identified suspect.
