(Lake County, FL) Tuesday, April 22, 2025, jurors returned a guilty verdict in the case against 55-year-old Darin Kirkpatrick Starks, who was charged with two counts of Battery on a Person 65 years of Age or Older. The victims were 70 and 72 years old. Starks was remanded into custody to await his sentencing hearing.

Back in April of 2024, an elderly victim contacted the Clermont Police Department and stated they had just been attacked by a friend, later identified as the defendant. The victim told authorities that Starks was homeless, and they allowed him to come to their home from time to time if there was inclement weather.

The victim further told deputies that when Starks would come over, they noticed items going missing. When the victim confronted the defendant about this, they began to argue. and Starks pushed the victim. During the physical altercation, a roommate of the victim attempted to intervene when Starks also began attacking them.

The physical confrontation moved out to the backyard, where Starks continued to hit and kick both victims. The first victim was able to run away and contact law enforcement. In doing so, Starks took off from the location with officers eventually locating him a short time later down the road.

When questioned about the battery on both victims, Starks stated he became upset after being accused of stealing and felt that the two victims were getting in his face. He admitted to pushing, punching, and kicking the victims.

This case was diligently prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys La Toya Jackson and Chelsey Omega.  

Published on 04/24/2025.