JONESBORO, Ark. — A defendant accused of shooting his wife and firing at two other women during a 2025 domestic dispute will serve an 18-year prison sentence after resolving the remaining charges against him Monday.
Leroy Starks pleaded guilty June 15 to first-degree battery and was sentenced to 180 months, or 15 years, in the Arkansas Division of Correction. He received credit for 471 days already served.
The sentence will run concurrently with a 216-month sentence Starks received March 3 after pleading guilty to possession of firearms by certain persons. Because the sentences run at the same time, the earlier 18-year sentence is the overall prison term.
Prosecutors said Starks must serve 100% of the prison sentence. If correct, he will be 82 years old upon release.
After his release, Starks will be subject to a 60-month suspended imposition of sentence. He must complete batterer’s intervention and anger management classes, undergo mental health and substance abuse assessments, forfeit any weapons, and have no contact with the victim.
Circuit Judge Randy Philhours presided over the case. Prosecutor Gina Knight-Nelson represented the state, while public defender Jimmy Hood represented Starks.
Four other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Those charges included attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
The case stemmed from a Feb. 28, 2025, shooting at a residence in the 300 block of North Drake Street.
According to the original probable cause affidavit, Starks had been drinking and arguing with his wife about problems in their marriage. Two other women at the residence attempted to mediate the dispute.
Investigators alleged Starks went into a bedroom, returned with a silver handgun and fired at the two women before shooting his wife.
The woman survived gunshot injuries to her chin, neck and left hand. Investigators said the hand injury occurred as she attempted to shield herself.
Starks was taken into custody following a brief struggle with officers.
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