Charges To Be Dropped in Houston County

Chelsea Webb

Viewed: 6520

Posted by: Chelsea Webb
Date: Sep 18 2017 10:17 AM

Dothan, AL - It appears murder charges against a Dothan man will be dropped before he goes to trial on Monday.

The Houston County DA’s Office Friday requested charges against 23-year old Starlin D’Neil Knight for fatally shooting 33-year old Shira Dwayne McKinnie be dismissed. It cites need for further investigation.

Defense Attorney Matthew C. Lamere had argued in a previous motion that Knight should be immune from prosecution under Alabama’s Stand Your Ground law.

“The Defendant and a female witness, while in his vehicle prior to the shooting, were chased extensively by the deceased, who actively stalked the Defendant until the Defendant ended up in his aunt’s driveway where he was residing at the time. The Defendant, standing in his own yard, was fired upon by the (McKinnie), and, at that time he fired back,” Lamere alleged in the motion.

A hearing was never held on the matter but, Friday, Assistant Houston County District Attorney Seth Brooks asked charges against Knight to be dropped. Houston County Circuit Judge Henry D. "Butch" Binford will likely concur negating the need for a trial this week.

<- back