As part of their series Dateline: Secrets Uncovered, Oxygen is investigating the murder of a mother of five children, Chanin Starbuck, who was killed in her home in Deer Park, approximately 20 miles from Spokane, Washington, in 2011.
Her killer was deemed to be her ex-husband, Clay Starbuck, who became enraged when he fell behind with maintenance payments for their five children.
When officers performed a welfare check on Chanin Starbuck’s home, they found her dead and were shocked at the extent of her injuries.
There was evidence had Chanin had suffered a prolonged period of suffering.
Her ex-husband Clay told the police that Chanin had been dating numerous men through online dating and that one of them was probably the perpetrator.
The police looked at two individuals that Chanin had dated around the time of her death, including one man who had even visited her home on the day she died. However, both individuals were deemed not to be involved.
DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene revealed a partial match for Clay, their eldest son, and an unidentified male. However, only Clay didn’t have an alibi for the day of the murder.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelClay and Chanin Starbuck had been twice married
Clay and Chanin had been married and divorced twice. When their second marriage ended in July of that year, Chanin won sole custody of the three youngest children. The two elder kids were no longer classed as minors.
There was a restraining order put out on Clay, meaning he was forbidden to come near Chanin at her home or her place of work. Despite this, he still regularly drove the kids to school.
Clay owed Chanin nearly $10,000, and he had exchanged angry messages with his former wife shortly before she was killed.
In June 2013, Clay Starbuck was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, which came with an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His eldest children still maintain his innocence.
More murders profiled on Oxygen
Follow the links to read about more crimes profiled on Oxygen.
Two teenage girls Jasmiyah and Tasmiyah, murdered their mother Nikki Whitehead at their home in Conyers, Georgia. The teenage terrors tried to blame an unknown assailant.
Carmine Bruno was beaten to death with a baseball at his home in North Carolina. The killer wielding the bat was his lodger Dennis Roy, who had sprung into action when Carmine’s wife Mary Bruno had given him the nod.
A Cold December Morning airs at 7/8c on Oxygen.
What can be expected of a a people who’s government are used to getting everything for free.
She had is coming.
I know who really killed Chanin, her husband did not do it.
Wow
Sure Leslie. Who was it?
Then who was is????
I don’t believe he did this. Shame on the jury. I see this happen so often. Anyway, there was a serial killer that was online dating. One of his aliases was the last name Starbucks. I think he should be looked at. I’m trying to find the details. I saw it on TV. The last name stood out to me because I thought to myself now why would you want to use Such an eccentric easy to remember name like that and really stands out your mind. I know if I were a serial killer I certainly wouldn’t want a name like Starbucks. I’d probably go for something like Nguyen or Singh. I hope Clay is released soon and the true killer is found. The death of the daughter needs to be reassessed as well. Dr. G, should be hired to autopsy her. My prayers to the family and all those innocent in jail.
I don’t believe he did this. Shame on the jury. I see this happen so often. Anyway, there was a serial killer that was online dating. One of his aliases was the last name Starbucks. I think he should be looked at. I’m trying to find the details. I saw it on TV. The last name stood out to me because I thought to myself now why would you want to use Such an eccentric easy to remember name like that and really stands out your mind. I know if I were a serial killer I certainly wouldn’t want a name like Starbucks. I’d probably go for something like Nguyen or Singh. I hope Clay is released soon and the true killer is found. The death of the daughter needs to be reassessed as well. Dr. G, should be hired to autopsy her. My prayers to the family and all those innocent in jail.