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A 16-year-old girl from North Carolina and a 28-year-old man have been formally charged with murder following the shooting deaths of three of the teenager’s family members. Authorities shared these details during a Friday news conference.
Star Grant, aged 16, and Devon O’Neil Loving, aged 28, face three counts each of first-degree murder and felony conspiracy to commit murder, as reported by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Given the gravity of the alleged offenses, Grant is being prosecuted as an adult. In North Carolina, these Class A felony charges may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Authorities in North Carolina released an update after the arrest of the teenager and the older man, linking them to the triple homicide.
The tragic incident came to light around 7:15 p.m. on Thursday when deputies from Buncombe County arrived at a residence on Ashworth Drive in Fairview for a welfare check.
The check was requested by a relative after friends and family had not heard from the victims, officials said.
While deputies conducted two prior welfare checks earlier in the week, one on Monday and another on Wednesday, authorities said they did not have the necessary evidence of an emergency to legally force entry into the home until the third visit.
Officials said the pair were arrested in Tennessee after allegedly fleeing North Carolina. (WHNS)
After entering the house, deputies found the bodies of Travis Eugene Grant, 41, Kimberly Michelle Grant, 42, and Sharon Harwood Grant, 66, all deceased from gunshot wounds.
Authorities confirmed Star Grant is the daughter of Travis and Kimberly Grant, and the granddaughter of Sharon Grant.
Investigators quickly realized the 16-year-old was missing, and through a coordinated effort with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Gatlinburg Police Department, authorities tracked Grant and Loving across state lines.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation, according to authorities. (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation)
The pair, whose relationship has not yet been disclosed, were arrested at a hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shortly before 6 a.m. Friday.
Grant and Loving, both Buncombe County residents, are currently being held in Tennessee.
They are expected to face an extradition hearing on Monday before being transferred back to North Carolina to face charges.
No motive has been released, as of Friday afternoon.
Authorities maintain there is no ongoing threat to the public.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.