Kirkland pleads guilty to murder

On Wednesday, September 4, Kelvin Kirkland negotiated a guilty plea on one count felony murder before Superior Court Judge Tommy Smith. He received life with parole; nol pros on one count malice murder; nol pros on one count aggravated assault; nol pros on one count possession of firearm during commission; nol pros on one count cruelty to children; nol pros on one count possession of firearm during commission of crime. He is to receive credit for time served in custody as determined by the custodian. The length of time to be served will be determined by the Department of Corrections.

Shortly after midnight on Thursday, November 10, Swainsboro Police Department was dispatched to shots fired at the address of 226 Washington Street Swainsboro. Upon arrival officers located a female lying face down next to an automobile. The individual appeared to be unconscious. First officers on scene began CPR as other officers began to arrive. Unfortunately, all efforts to resuscitate failed. Information from witnesses at the scene indicated a domestic dispute had occurred which led to multiple shots being fired leading to the death of Johnnie Starnes, Age 52 of 226 Washington Street, Swainsboro. The suspect involved in the altercation was identified as Kelvin Kirkland age 51 of Swainsboro. Prior to officers’ arrival Kirkland had fled the scene on foot believed to still be in possession of the firearm used at the scene. Swainsboro Police Department deployed its unmanned aircraft which assisted in locating the suspect in a wooded area a short distance from the scene. Kirkland was apprehended by law enforcement officers approximately 30 minutes later and was transported to the Emanuel County Jail and was charged with the following: Malice murder, Cruelty to Children, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

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