A family fight exploded into gunfire when a drunk son allegedly fired three rounds at his father inside their shared home—just hours after a night out at the bar.
🚔 Deputies, along with Proctorville and Chesapeake Police and the Highway Patrol, rushed to the scene after 911 calls reported shots fired. Officers arrived outside the residence to find chaos—and a suspect ready to confess.
👮♂️ A trooper escorted Matthew Starcher, clearly under the influence, to sheriff’s deputies. He was patted down, cuffed, and secured in the cruiser while officers headed inside the home to collect evidence and statements.
📜 What Went Down Inside the House of Mayhem:
🕐 Around 1:45 AM — Dad arrives home from work
🚗 Sees son’s truck half in the yard, door open
🏠 Hears arguing inside, walks in to find Matthew on the couch, visibly intoxicated
💥 Argument erupts over drinking and guests
🔫 Dad sees Matthew pull a Glock but initially deescalates
🚪 Matthew storms out—then kicks in the glass door and comes back
🪑 Follows dad upstairs, throws a chair at him, then racks the Glock
🚨 Dad flees downstairs—three gunshots ring out behind him
🔐 Dad locks himself in the bedroom, grabs his own gun, and calls the sheriff
🔍 Evidence Collected Inside:
- 🔘 3 bullet holes in wall/ceiling
- 🔸 3 empty shell casings
- 💣 1 live round ejected when slide racked
- 🔫 Glock handgun, holster, and 2 mags with 10 live rounds
Matthew later told deputies he fired the shots in “self-defense” and admitted to being drunk after visiting a bar in Huntington. A portable breath test confirmed a BAC of 0.180—more than twice the legal limit.
⚖️ Charges Filed Against Matthew Starcher:
- Felonious Assault
- Domestic Violence
- Having Weapons While Intoxicated
💵 Bond: $2,000
📅 Preliminary Hearing: July 28
🔒🚪 Safety Tip: Secure Your Firearms & Family
Family arguments happen—but when guns and alcohol enter the mix, the results can be tragic. Here’s how to stay safe:
- 🔐 Lock up firearms when not in use
- 🚫 No alcohol and firearms—ever
- 📞 Call for help before things escalate
- 🧘♂️ De-escalate with distance, not dominance
- 💬 Have hard conversations when sober
This Proctorville domestic could have easily ended in death instead of arrest. Think before you drink—and lock the gun before the fight.
