Murder Charges in North Carolina

A 16-year-old girl from North Carolina and a 28-year-old man are facing serious murder charges after three family members of the girl were found dead in their home. Authorities held a press conference on Friday to share the news.

The individuals charged are Starr Grant, 16, and Devon O’Neal Loving, 28. Both are being charged with three counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, as per the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Because of the severity of the charges, Grant will be treated as an adult.

In North Carolina, this Class A felony could mean life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

The tragic discovery occurred on Thursday around 7:15 p.m. when deputies were called for a welfare check at a residence on Ashworth Drive in Fairview. Relatives requested the check after failing to hear from the victims.

Deputies had previously conducted two welfare checks on Monday and Wednesday but didn’t find sufficient evidence to enter the home until their third visit. Upon entry, they found the bodies of Travis Eugene Grant, 41, Kimberly Michelle Grant, 42, and Sharon Harwood Grant, 66, all of whom had died from gunshot wounds.

It has been confirmed that Starr Grant is the daughter of Travis and Kimberly Grant and the granddaughter of Sharon Grant.

Authorities quickly noted the 16-year-old was missing. Working with multiple agencies, including the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation, they traced Grant and Loving across state lines.

The two were arrested just before 6 a.m. on Friday at a hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Their exact relationship has not yet been revealed.

Currently, both Grant and Loving are detained in Tennessee. They are set for an extradition hearing on Monday and will be transported back to North Carolina afterward.

No motive had been disclosed as of Friday afternoon, and authorities have assured the public there is no ongoing threat.