Man Convicted of Murder in 2013 Drug Deal Shooting

A Gwinnett County jury has convicted a man for murder in a drug-related shooting on Fourth of July 2013.

Joshua Starks was found guilty Friday of killing Stenneth Lee Charles, Jr. during an intended marijuana transaction in the parking lot of a Norcross-area motel, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Witnesses said all parties involved in the incident at the Red Roof Inn were armed and they planned a robbery.

Prosecutors said Charles and a friend arranged to meet with Starks and his friend to buy marijuana. Starks got into the backseat of Charles’ car and sat behind the victim, who was in the driver’s seat.

“The front seat passenger testified that the defendant pulled his weapon before the victim pulled his,” the D.A.’s office said in the news release. “The defendant placed the gun to the victim’s neck and shot the victim at a downward angle causing the bullet to puncture both lungs and his heart. Then the victim shot the defendant at least once in his wrist and his chest causing a punctured lung. The defendant fled the scene as the victim’s friend fired and missed him.”

Police found fake marijuana at the scene, but did not find any purchase money.

The jury reached a verdict after two days of testimony. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9.

Photo: Joshua Starks; Gwinnett County Jail mug shot