Second brother convicted in slaying gets 110 years

TEXARKANA -- The brother of a man sentenced earlier this month to life in prison by a Miller County jury in a drug-related murder has received a 110-year sentence for his role in the same case.

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Frank Starling, 23, was found guilty of murder and committing a terroristic act and received 40-year terms on each offense. The jury determined Starling used a firearm in both offenses, which allowed for an additional 15-year term on each.

Circuit Judge Brent Haltom ordered the terms to run consecutively for a total of 110 years.

Earlier this month, a jury found Serandon Starling, 26, guilty in the case. Serandon Starling, the triggerman in the shooting death of Andrew Lee "P.J." Cheatham III, received two life terms and an additional 15 years on each offense.

Witnesses at both trials testified the Starling brothers and others charged in the case mistakenly believed Cheatham had stolen an ounce of crack cocaine.

Witnesses at Serandon Starling's trial testified the missing drugs belonged to Frank Starling. A witness at Frank Starling's trial said the drugs belonged to Serandon Starling.

Also facing murder charges in the case are Aundrey Battle and Demetrica Satterwhite.

Witnesses at the Starling brothers' trials testified Cheatham was shot after his blue Grand Marquis was blocked in by two other cars April 18, 2013. Cheatham died from a gunshot wound in his forehead.

"Frank, like his brother, Serandon, clearly showed no remorse for his actions when he took the stand. Although Frank was not the triggerman, he was the person that gathered his brothers and friends with guns in hand to seek revenge for a drug deal gone bad," deputy prosecutor Stephanie Potter Black said.

"It was Frank's drug deal, and it was Frank's actions that led to this tragedy. I think the jury sent a clear message with the 110 years he received," said Black, who handled the case for the state with deputy prosecutor Connie Mitchell.

Metro on 08/31/2014

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