Smith Lake is the deepest lake in Alabama. It’s 264 feet at its deepest. At this point, I think they are relying on sonar and divers to try to find her. It’s a needle in a haystack unfortunately.
Found Deceased AL - Kelsey Starling, 26, boating accident, Winston County, Smith Lake, 4 Jul 2019 *Arrests*
- Thread starter PastTense
- Start date
Smith Lake is the deepest lake in Alabama. It’s 264 feet at its deepest. At this point, I think they are relying on sonar and divers to try to find her. It’s a needle in a haystack unfortunately.
"The search for a Birmingham City Schools teacher missing since a horrific Fourth of July boat crash has been suspended indefinitely.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Marine Patrol troopers on Friday said there are search operations planned for next week but said there will no longer be formal daily searches.
“Thanks to all of you for your patience with us as we attempted to bring closure to the Starling family,’’ said Marine Patrol Sgt. Chad Pate. “Obviously this did not have the outcome that we had hoped for.” “Many organizations and agencies have worked hard over the last 15 days,’’ Pate said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Starling family.”
Pate said ALEA Marine Patrol troopers will search the area regularly while on boat patrol. ALEA Aviation will still conduct aerial searches periodically. Winston County EMA has specialty sonars out of Dothan and Florida scheduled for next week as well."
Search suspended for missing Birmingham teacher after July 4 boat crash
"Friends of a Birmingham City Schools teacher missing since a Fourth of July boat crash have set up an online fundraiser for continued searches...
A message on the [fundraising page], which was created Friday, said the donated funds will go towards more searches. “Many groups and agencies have searched for Kelsey to no avail… We are asking everyone to contribute so that we can pay the expenses of search and recovery teams to continue to devote their time and efforts until our sweet and precious friend is located.”"
Over $10,000 donated in 1 day for Kelsey Starling searches
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Marine Patrol troopers on Friday said there are search operations planned for next week but said there will no longer be formal daily searches.
“Thanks to all of you for your patience with us as we attempted to bring closure to the Starling family,’’ said Marine Patrol Sgt. Chad Pate. “Obviously this did not have the outcome that we had hoped for.” “Many organizations and agencies have worked hard over the last 15 days,’’ Pate said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Starling family.”
Pate said ALEA Marine Patrol troopers will search the area regularly while on boat patrol. ALEA Aviation will still conduct aerial searches periodically. Winston County EMA has specialty sonars out of Dothan and Florida scheduled for next week as well."
Search suspended for missing Birmingham teacher after July 4 boat crash
"Friends of a Birmingham City Schools teacher missing since a Fourth of July boat crash have set up an online fundraiser for continued searches...
A message on the [fundraising page], which was created Friday, said the donated funds will go towards more searches. “Many groups and agencies have searched for Kelsey to no avail… We are asking everyone to contribute so that we can pay the expenses of search and recovery teams to continue to devote their time and efforts until our sweet and precious friend is located.”"
Over $10,000 donated in 1 day for Kelsey Starling searches
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JUL 21, 2019
Smith Lake community holding onto hope after Kelsey Starling search is suspended
[...]
“I’m personally devastated for the family but I still hold up hope and God does a lot of amazing things and I think she will show up,” said WN.
BG and WN still have hope, and they’re not the only ones. Bright blue ribbons proudly hang from dozens of docks around the lake, symbolizing the commitment to bringing Kelsey home.
[...]
The Starling Family is holding onto hope as well and issued a statement that reads:
“The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has, is, and will continue to do all they can to bring our Kelsey back. Though they themselves may not be actively searching now, they have new dive teams lined up to dedicate their time to finding Kelsey. We want ALEA to be able to help as many families as they can who are suffering in this same way.”
[...]
Search for boater missing on Smith Lake to resume Monday
[...]
The search for a woman who has been missing since July 4 will pick up again on Monday with some additional resources.
Winston County Emergency Management Agency Director Jimmy Madison told WAAY 31 that on Monday, dive crews from Houston County, Alabama, along with divers from Florida State University will arrive to aid in the search for Kelsey Starling.
Madison said they halted searches after Thursday because of the threat of strong to severe pop up thunderstorms in the area.
The additional crews are set to arrive around noon on Monday. Madison said the divers from FSU will be bringing specialized equipment that will include hand-held sonar devices.
[...]
Smith Lake community holding onto hope after Kelsey Starling search is suspended
[...]
“I’m personally devastated for the family but I still hold up hope and God does a lot of amazing things and I think she will show up,” said WN.
BG and WN still have hope, and they’re not the only ones. Bright blue ribbons proudly hang from dozens of docks around the lake, symbolizing the commitment to bringing Kelsey home.
[...]
The Starling Family is holding onto hope as well and issued a statement that reads:
“The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has, is, and will continue to do all they can to bring our Kelsey back. Though they themselves may not be actively searching now, they have new dive teams lined up to dedicate their time to finding Kelsey. We want ALEA to be able to help as many families as they can who are suffering in this same way.”
[...]
Search for boater missing on Smith Lake to resume Monday
[...]
The search for a woman who has been missing since July 4 will pick up again on Monday with some additional resources.
Winston County Emergency Management Agency Director Jimmy Madison told WAAY 31 that on Monday, dive crews from Houston County, Alabama, along with divers from Florida State University will arrive to aid in the search for Kelsey Starling.
Madison said they halted searches after Thursday because of the threat of strong to severe pop up thunderstorms in the area.
The additional crews are set to arrive around noon on Monday. Madison said the divers from FSU will be bringing specialized equipment that will include hand-held sonar devices.
[...]
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JUL 23, 2019
New dive teams join search for Kelsey Starling
[...]
AD is the Chief of the Houston County Rescue Unit. He joined the organization four years ago and, since then, he and his team have been involved in dozens of diving operations.
But this one is different. This time, he is searching for Kelsey Starling. This time, he is searching for a friend.
“I graduated High School with Kelsey,” said AD. “It does make it personal. This one right here is the most important [operation] I’ve ever worked.”
[...]
“We’re a totally different agency than the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency,” said Davis. “We have deep water divers that are experienced in low [visibility], deep water recoveries.”
The water reaches over 200 feet deep in the area where crews are searching for Starling. Davis tells CBS 42 that recreational divers usually cannot dive more than 130 feet below the surface, but his team can potentially go all the way to the bottom of Smith Lake.
[...]
The Winston County EMA tells CBS 42 that a dive team from Florida State arrive late Monday afternoon as well and that the full coalition of divers will be in the water Tuesday.
New dive teams join search for Kelsey Starling
[...]
AD is the Chief of the Houston County Rescue Unit. He joined the organization four years ago and, since then, he and his team have been involved in dozens of diving operations.
But this one is different. This time, he is searching for Kelsey Starling. This time, he is searching for a friend.
“I graduated High School with Kelsey,” said AD. “It does make it personal. This one right here is the most important [operation] I’ve ever worked.”
[...]
“We’re a totally different agency than the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency,” said Davis. “We have deep water divers that are experienced in low [visibility], deep water recoveries.”
The water reaches over 200 feet deep in the area where crews are searching for Starling. Davis tells CBS 42 that recreational divers usually cannot dive more than 130 feet below the surface, but his team can potentially go all the way to the bottom of Smith Lake.
[...]
The Winston County EMA tells CBS 42 that a dive team from Florida State arrive late Monday afternoon as well and that the full coalition of divers will be in the water Tuesday.
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JUL 24, 2019
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/24/community-donations-funding-continued-search-for-starling/
[...]
“This is for the 21-plus rescue and recovery teams expenses in the tri-County area in this effort,” the page description states. “This money goes directly to the recovery expenses.”
The account has already surpassed the stated goal of $20,000, with 441 donors raising more than $29,000 by Monday evening. Donations of all monetary amounts are welcome, as well as prayers.
[...]
JUL 25, 2019
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/25/candlelight-vigil-planned-to-pray-for-starling-search/
[...]
The vigil will take place on the Square from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday as a time of prayer as well as a time to donate for the continuation of the search efforts. All proceeds will be sent to the Winston County EMA search and rescue teams.
[...]
The community has rallied behind the Starling family and friends, already donating nearly $31,500 for Starling in just five days.
[...]
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/24/community-donations-funding-continued-search-for-starling/
[...]
“This is for the 21-plus rescue and recovery teams expenses in the tri-County area in this effort,” the page description states. “This money goes directly to the recovery expenses.”
The account has already surpassed the stated goal of $20,000, with 441 donors raising more than $29,000 by Monday evening. Donations of all monetary amounts are welcome, as well as prayers.
[...]
JUL 25, 2019
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/25/candlelight-vigil-planned-to-pray-for-starling-search/
[...]
The vigil will take place on the Square from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday as a time of prayer as well as a time to donate for the continuation of the search efforts. All proceeds will be sent to the Winston County EMA search and rescue teams.
[...]
The community has rallied behind the Starling family and friends, already donating nearly $31,500 for Starling in just five days.
[...]
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JUL 25, 2019
Crews discuss hardships searching Smith Lake for Kelsey Starling
[...]
While the search was suspended indefinitely Friday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, new dive teams from around the state and from Florida have come in to help continue the search.
Despite their best efforts, crews continue to struggle to make way in the search due to the difficulties Smith Lake poses.
“It’s dangerous for even the most experienced divers that are doing then when you take into account that they’re going terribly deep,” Southern Skin Diver Supply co-owner Forrest Phillips said. “It’s unbelievable cold and there’s debris everywhere. These are brave people that are doing this.”
[...]
Crews discuss hardships searching Smith Lake for Kelsey Starling
[...]
While the search was suspended indefinitely Friday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, new dive teams from around the state and from Florida have come in to help continue the search.
Despite their best efforts, crews continue to struggle to make way in the search due to the difficulties Smith Lake poses.
“It’s dangerous for even the most experienced divers that are doing then when you take into account that they’re going terribly deep,” Southern Skin Diver Supply co-owner Forrest Phillips said. “It’s unbelievable cold and there’s debris everywhere. These are brave people that are doing this.”
[...]
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So did the boat Kelsey was riding on run into another boat, or did the other boat run into Kelseys boat?
I believe it’s still under investigation.
So far:
"Starling was a passenger in a 2012 Mastercraft wakeboard boat driven by 23-year-old William Jackson Fite of Decatur. Fite was booked into the Winston County Jail early Friday on a charge of boating under the influence. Jail officials on Friday night declined to release his mugshot.
Four other passengers on the Mastercraft were transported for medical attention by emergency responders, said Marine Patrol Sgt. Chad Pate.
One person was injured on the second vessel, a 2011 Harris Flotebote pontoon boat operated by 50-year-old Jodi Wallace Suggs of Decatur."
https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/...charged-with-boating-under-the-influence.html
So it must have been the boat Starling was a passenger on that ran into the other boat-- since it was the driver of the boat Starling was on that was charged with boating under the influence.
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JUL 28, 2019
Starling family asking for help to fund apparent “final exhaustive [search] attempt”
The family of 26-year-old Kelsey Starling is asking the community for one final push of help to bring Kelsey home.
[...]
Sunday night, the community will be hosting a “Bring Kelsey Home” candlelight vigil in Troy from 8-9 P.M. But, according to a post made by Kelsey’s father Alton Starling on Facebook, the timing of this vigil could not be more crucial.
“In preparation for special equipment to be used in what appears to be a final exhaustive attempt in the search and rescue of Kelsey Starling, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Kelsey Starling Fund. They are trying to raise $55,000 for the equipment, which will place an anchor down in a point of interest.”
[...]
“The anchor will enable the dive team to get to the bottom by means of a rope,” explained AS in the Facebook post. “The rope will greatly assist the divers through the depth of the water and dangers of the trees.”
[...]
(See complete FB post by AS in the article)
Starling family asking for help to fund apparent “final exhaustive [search] attempt”
The family of 26-year-old Kelsey Starling is asking the community for one final push of help to bring Kelsey home.
[...]
Sunday night, the community will be hosting a “Bring Kelsey Home” candlelight vigil in Troy from 8-9 P.M. But, according to a post made by Kelsey’s father Alton Starling on Facebook, the timing of this vigil could not be more crucial.
“In preparation for special equipment to be used in what appears to be a final exhaustive attempt in the search and rescue of Kelsey Starling, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Kelsey Starling Fund. They are trying to raise $55,000 for the equipment, which will place an anchor down in a point of interest.”
[...]
“The anchor will enable the dive team to get to the bottom by means of a rope,” explained AS in the Facebook post. “The rope will greatly assist the divers through the depth of the water and dangers of the trees.”
[...]
(See complete FB post by AS in the article)
Maybe or the driver of the other boat wasn’t drinking.
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JUL 29, 2019
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/29/candlelight-vigil-supports-kelsey-starling-search/
“I’m just looking around and I know Kelsey would have loved this,” said MS Sunday night at a candlelight vigil on The Square. The people gathered around were there to pray for the search for Starling’s sister, Kelsey Starling, who went missing following a boating collision on Smith Lake on the Fourth of July.
“It’s times like this that we remember that there’s a heaven,” MS said. “Thank God there’s a heaven.”
About 100 people gathered on the Square to stand in solidarity with the Starling family as the search continues now more than three weeks after the wreck.
[...]
Searches continue both by private and volunteer teams as well as law enforcement, although the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has indefinitely suspended daily searches. New equipment and teams continue to be brought in with the hopes of finding Starling and bringing closure.
[...]
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/07/29/candlelight-vigil-supports-kelsey-starling-search/
“I’m just looking around and I know Kelsey would have loved this,” said MS Sunday night at a candlelight vigil on The Square. The people gathered around were there to pray for the search for Starling’s sister, Kelsey Starling, who went missing following a boating collision on Smith Lake on the Fourth of July.
“It’s times like this that we remember that there’s a heaven,” MS said. “Thank God there’s a heaven.”
About 100 people gathered on the Square to stand in solidarity with the Starling family as the search continues now more than three weeks after the wreck.
[...]
Searches continue both by private and volunteer teams as well as law enforcement, although the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has indefinitely suspended daily searches. New equipment and teams continue to be brought in with the hopes of finding Starling and bringing closure.
[...]
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In an unrelated boating accident (but also in Alabama), a man has been charged with murder:
JUL 29, 2019
Clanton man charged with murder after July boating crash on Lake Jordan
Authorities have arrested a man on charges of murder and boating under the influence following a Fourth of July boating collision on an Alabama lake that killed two people.
JUL 29, 2019
Clanton man charged with murder after July boating crash on Lake Jordan
Authorities have arrested a man on charges of murder and boating under the influence following a Fourth of July boating collision on an Alabama lake that killed two people.
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AUG 3, 2019
Kendra Scott store to host giveback night for Kelsey Starling
[...]
In recent weeks, the community has pitched in to to help finance the continued search effort. Over $66,000 has been raised to help purchase a new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to be used by search crews.
And now most recently, the Kendra Scott store located at The Summit in Birmingham has announced they will be hosting a “Kelsey Starling Giveback Night” August 6th from 6-8 P.M. to help support the Starling family.
The official flyer from the Kenda Scott store in Birmingham promoting the Kelsey Starling Giveback Night
[...]
20% of the proceeds generated between six and eight o’clock will go directly to the Starling family.
As Meyer explains, Kelsey’s disappearance hits home to her store. Several of her employees knew Kelsey personally and, at one point, Kelsey herself was an employee as well.
[...]
While the giveback night is exclusive to Tuesday, Meyer adds that any purchase made leading up to the event may be put toward the Starling family upon request.
Kendra Scott store to host giveback night for Kelsey Starling
[...]
In recent weeks, the community has pitched in to to help finance the continued search effort. Over $66,000 has been raised to help purchase a new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to be used by search crews.
And now most recently, the Kendra Scott store located at The Summit in Birmingham has announced they will be hosting a “Kelsey Starling Giveback Night” August 6th from 6-8 P.M. to help support the Starling family.
The official flyer from the Kenda Scott store in Birmingham promoting the Kelsey Starling Giveback Night
[...]
20% of the proceeds generated between six and eight o’clock will go directly to the Starling family.
As Meyer explains, Kelsey’s disappearance hits home to her store. Several of her employees knew Kelsey personally and, at one point, Kelsey herself was an employee as well.
[...]
While the giveback night is exclusive to Tuesday, Meyer adds that any purchase made leading up to the event may be put toward the Starling family upon request.
"July 31, 2019. A new remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is being added to the search effort on Smith Lake for Kelsey Starling.
The ROV was purchased after a [fundraising effort in support of the family] generated over $60,000 worth of donations. Starling, 26, has been missing since a boating accident the night of Independence Day on July 4.
A member of the search team told CBS 42 that the equipment purchased is a DTG3 Underwater ROV which was confirmed by Deep Trekker Inc., the company that makes and distributes the unit. Deep Trekker also confirmed that a sonar kit was purchased to go along with the ROV as well."
New ROV to be used in search for Kelsey Starling
Here is a Youtube video on how it operates:
The ROV was purchased after a [fundraising effort in support of the family] generated over $60,000 worth of donations. Starling, 26, has been missing since a boating accident the night of Independence Day on July 4.
A member of the search team told CBS 42 that the equipment purchased is a DTG3 Underwater ROV which was confirmed by Deep Trekker Inc., the company that makes and distributes the unit. Deep Trekker also confirmed that a sonar kit was purchased to go along with the ROV as well."
New ROV to be used in search for Kelsey Starling
Here is a Youtube video on how it operates:
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AUG 6, 2019
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/08/06/kelsey-nicole-starling/
Kelsey Nicole Starling
Kelsey Nicole Starling, 26, formerly of Troy, died July 4, 2019 in Winston County, Alabama. Kelsey was a beautiful, smart young woman with a bright spirit and an even brighter smile. She graduated summa
laude from the University of Alabama and proceeded to get her master’s degree from the University of Montevallo. With the strong love and passion she displayed to those around her, Kelsey will never be forgotten by her friends and family. Forever she will live on in their hearts.
A memorial service for Kelsey Starling will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church in Troy with Dr. Luke Lane officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019.
(cont. at the link)
https://www.troymessenger.com/2019/08/06/kelsey-nicole-starling/
Kelsey Nicole Starling
Kelsey Nicole Starling, 26, formerly of Troy, died July 4, 2019 in Winston County, Alabama. Kelsey was a beautiful, smart young woman with a bright spirit and an even brighter smile. She graduated summa
laude from the University of Alabama and proceeded to get her master’s degree from the University of Montevallo. With the strong love and passion she displayed to those around her, Kelsey will never be forgotten by her friends and family. Forever she will live on in their hearts.A memorial service for Kelsey Starling will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church in Troy with Dr. Luke Lane officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019.
(cont. at the link)
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AUG 8, 2019
Kelsey Starling’s co-workers hold balloon release in her honor
On Wednesday, friends, family and colleagues gathered at Tuggle Elementary School to honor one of their own.
[...]
Starling was a speech pathologist at Tuggle Elementary who friends said made a big impact at the school. Her family, best friend and the school’s principal spoke highly of the light she shared with everyone she met.
“We wanted to do this for Alton and Megan and all of her friends, faculty members, just to let them know how much we love, care and appreciate Kelsey and the impact that she had on our kids here at Tuggle,” Principal Ann Jemison said.
Before releasing the balloons, everyone signed a note to Kelsey, sending her their thoughts and prayers.
[...]
Kelsey Starling’s co-workers hold balloon release in her honor
On Wednesday, friends, family and colleagues gathered at Tuggle Elementary School to honor one of their own.
[...]
Starling was a speech pathologist at Tuggle Elementary who friends said made a big impact at the school. Her family, best friend and the school’s principal spoke highly of the light she shared with everyone she met.
“We wanted to do this for Alton and Megan and all of her friends, faculty members, just to let them know how much we love, care and appreciate Kelsey and the impact that she had on our kids here at Tuggle,” Principal Ann Jemison said.
Before releasing the balloons, everyone signed a note to Kelsey, sending her their thoughts and prayers.
[...]
JerseyGirl
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Teams are resuming the search for a woman who's been missing on an Alabama lake since a boating crash on July 4. Crews specializing in deep-water searches are part of the renewed effort to locate the body of 26-year-old Kelsey Nicole Starling.
Lake search resumes for woman missing since July 4
Lake search resumes for woman missing since July 4
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AUG 21, 2019
2 charged with criminally negligent homicide in Kelsey Starling's death
A Decatur couple were charged with criminally negligent homicide for their role in the Smith Lake boating accident which claimed the life of Kelsey Starling.
Nick Bowling Suggs, 50, and Jodi Wallace Suggs, 50 were both arrested on Wednesday after they were indicted by a Winston County grand jury.
[...]
2 charged with negligent homicide in Kelsey Starling’s disappearance
[...]
According to the Winston County Sheriff’s Office, Nick and Jodi Suggs were accompanied by their attorney and turned themselves into authorities. They immediately posted $3,000 bond each and left the Winston County Jail Wednesday.
[...]
In Alabama, criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor. However, according to the Alabama Code Title 13A-6-4, the charge can be upgraded to a Class C felony if death “is caused by the driver or operator of a vehicle or vessel who is driving or operating the vehicle or vessel in violation of Section 32-5A-191 or 32-5A-191.3.” A Class A misdemeanor can include up to a year in prison while a Class C felony can carry a prison sentence between one and 10 years.
According to a press release sent out by ALEA, charges were handed down against the duo after a Winston County grand jury convened earlier this week. Officials from the 25th Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Winston County will prosecute the case.
[...]
Efforts to recover Starling’s body resumed this morning and will continue through Friday.
BREAKING: Couple charged in boating death of Kelsey Starling
[...]
An attorney for the Starling family released the following statement after Wednesday's indictment:
"Our daughter, sister, and granddaughter, Kelsey Starling is missing and presumed dead since July 4, 2019, following a boating incident on Smith Lake. We appreciate the tireless efforts of law enforcement and search personnel to locate Kelsey. We also very much appreciate the love and support we have received from so many individuals at Smith Lake and throughout our state. We have been especially touched by the blue Kelsey ribbons that have seemingly appeared everywhere in Alabama and states beyond. This has provided our family significant comfort.
We understand that an indictment has now been issued in connection with Kelsey’s death; we will not comment on the indictment at this time. We look forward to receiving information yielded from the investigation that resulted in this indictment. The family will have no further comment on this issue at this time, as our efforts remain focused on the recovery of Kelsey’s remains."
[...]
2 charged with criminally negligent homicide in Kelsey Starling's death
A Decatur couple were charged with criminally negligent homicide for their role in the Smith Lake boating accident which claimed the life of Kelsey Starling.
Nick Bowling Suggs, 50, and Jodi Wallace Suggs, 50 were both arrested on Wednesday after they were indicted by a Winston County grand jury.
[...]
2 charged with negligent homicide in Kelsey Starling’s disappearance
[...]
According to the Winston County Sheriff’s Office, Nick and Jodi Suggs were accompanied by their attorney and turned themselves into authorities. They immediately posted $3,000 bond each and left the Winston County Jail Wednesday.
[...]
In Alabama, criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor. However, according to the Alabama Code Title 13A-6-4, the charge can be upgraded to a Class C felony if death “is caused by the driver or operator of a vehicle or vessel who is driving or operating the vehicle or vessel in violation of Section 32-5A-191 or 32-5A-191.3.” A Class A misdemeanor can include up to a year in prison while a Class C felony can carry a prison sentence between one and 10 years.
According to a press release sent out by ALEA, charges were handed down against the duo after a Winston County grand jury convened earlier this week. Officials from the 25th Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Winston County will prosecute the case.
[...]
Efforts to recover Starling’s body resumed this morning and will continue through Friday.
BREAKING: Couple charged in boating death of Kelsey Starling
[...]
An attorney for the Starling family released the following statement after Wednesday's indictment:
"Our daughter, sister, and granddaughter, Kelsey Starling is missing and presumed dead since July 4, 2019, following a boating incident on Smith Lake. We appreciate the tireless efforts of law enforcement and search personnel to locate Kelsey. We also very much appreciate the love and support we have received from so many individuals at Smith Lake and throughout our state. We have been especially touched by the blue Kelsey ribbons that have seemingly appeared everywhere in Alabama and states beyond. This has provided our family significant comfort.
We understand that an indictment has now been issued in connection with Kelsey’s death; we will not comment on the indictment at this time. We look forward to receiving information yielded from the investigation that resulted in this indictment. The family will have no further comment on this issue at this time, as our efforts remain focused on the recovery of Kelsey’s remains."
[...]
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