In the quiet community of Isle of Wight, Virginia, the lives of 58-year-old Kenneth Starnes and his mother were brought to a tragic end on September 22, 2017. Concern arose among family members when they were unable to reach Kenneth and his 80-year-old mother, Nancy Starnes. Upon visiting their home on Ennisdale Drive, relatives discovered signs of a forced entry and immediately contacted the authorities. Responding deputies made a grim discovery inside, finding the bodies of both Kenneth and his mother. Both had been fatally shot with a. 40-caliber semiautomatic pistol during what investigators determined to be a home invasion that turned into a double murder.
The investigation swiftly led to two men who lived near the Starnes' residence, Kareem Mitchell and Richard Holmes. Authorities believed they were connected to other burglaries in the area. Evidence quickly mounted against the pair. Stolen items from the Starnes' home, including televisions and credit cards, were found in Mitchell's possession. A crucial tip about an illegal gun sale led investigators to the home of Mitchell's half-sister, Sharon Galvin. There, they not only arrested Mitchell and Holmes but also recovered one of the vehicles stolen from the victims. A subsequent search of Galvin's property revealed 14 stolen guns, some of which belonged to the Starnes.
In the face of overwhelming evidence, both men cooperated with the police. Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to two life terms in prison. He also received additional time for related charges of firearm use, grand larceny, armed burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richard Holmes, who prosecutors said was equally responsible even if he didn't pull the trigger, also pleaded guilty. Sharon Galvin faced charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, obstruction of justice, and receiving stolen property for her role in trying to sell the stolen items. A 17-year-old girl residing at the same address as Galvin was also detained on gun and stolen property charges. The prosecution later stated the murders were likely not premeditated but the tragic result of a burglary gone wrong. Family members believed Kenneth and his mother were targeted because they were both disabled, making them appear to be easy victims.
