Florida couple took in homeless man during storm — He brutally attacked them and was found guilty
A 55-year-old homeless man has been found guilty of brutally assaulting two elderly individuals in Lake County, Florida, after they offered him shelter during severe weather.
A troubling incident has rocked Lake County, Florida. A homeless man, 55-year-old Darin Kirkpatrick Starks, violently attacked a couple in their 70s, extending their hospitality to the man after he had temporarily highs in their home. Starks physically attacked the couple after they questioned him about the items that had gone missing from the home. The assault progressed from inside the home to the backyard, where both later victims sustained injuries, and first responders were quickly on scene.
On April 22, 2024, a jury found Starks guilty. Disturbingly, during the trial, the facts that emerged about the level of violence that the defendant used, and the fact that his victims that were physically weak, even by normal standards, were highly vulnerable victims. Starks will be held over for sentencing.
Florida tragedy: Accused claims self-defense
Starks confessed to attacking the couple under police questionings, although he claimed that he was defending himself. He explained that the seniors approached him aggressively regarding the supposed theft, and that he reacted instinctively. He repeated that same reasoning during the case.
But prosecutors La Toya Jackson and Chelsey Omega were able to provide evidence and witnesses who completely contradicted Starks' explanations. They were able to argue to the jury that the degree of force used by the defendant was unreasonable and excessive given the advanced age and fragility of the victims.
Guilty verdict in Florida assault case
After considering the case, jurors found Darin Kirkpatrick Starks guilty of two felony counts of aggravated battery of persons over the age of 65. In Florida, crimes involving elderly victims are subject to increased penalties because their age and condition make them even more vulnerable. Starks now faces serious penalties following his conviction and his sentencing hearing date is still to be determined.
