Jason Starr Files Motion for New Murder Trial
The Montgomery man seeks a new trial for the 2017 death of Sara Starr, citing new evidence regarding his alleged involvement.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Jason Starr, who is currently serving a life sentence for the 2017 murder of Sara Starr, has filed a motion for a new trial. He claims that a newly discovered email serves as evidence of his innocence by suggesting co-defendant Darin Starr acted alone.
Why it matters
The motion challenges the prosecution's central theory that Jason Starr orchestrated the killing by paying Darin Starr $2,600 and providing a motorcycle to commit the act. Federal prosecutors are currently opposing the motion, arguing that the alleged email is inadmissible hearsay.
Jason Starr and Darin Starr were arrested on December 7, 2021, and both are currently serving life sentences for the death of Sara Starr. A court hearing regarding the admissibility of the email evidence and the new trial request is currently pending.
The players
Jason Starr
He is an inmate currently serving a life sentence for the 2017 murder of Sara Starr.
Darin Starr
He was convicted alongside Jason Starr and is also serving a life sentence for the murder of Sara Starr.
Sara Starr
She was the victim of a 2017 shooting death that resulted in the life imprisonment of two men.
The details
Jason Starr contends he received a copy of an email, reportedly written by his former attorney's assistant, that contains an admission from Darin Starr claiming he committed the murder without assistance. Prosecutors maintain the document does not qualify for inclusion in the legal proceedings.
Timeline
Sara Starr was shot to death in 2017.
Jason and Darin Starr were arrested on December 7, 2021.
The motion for a new trial is pending as of October 24, 2026.
Legal Context
This filing reflects standard post-conviction challenges to the established evidentiary record in Alabama criminal courts. Such motions are frequently subjected to rigorous scrutiny regarding the authenticity and admissibility of new documentation before a retrial is considered.
While the proceedings are centered on a specific 2017 case, the case status update provides clarity on active litigation within the local Montgomery court system. Residents can monitor court dockets for updates on when the hearing on this motion will take place.
The takeaway
Post-conviction motions often hinge on whether new evidence is considered admissible under local rules rather than just the claims contained within them. Defendants seeking a retrial must demonstrate that the discovered information could have materially changed the original jury verdict.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the region, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtvy.
