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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Clay Starbuck’s children respond to no-contact order

Clay D. Starbuck looks to the back of the courtroom for his children to take the stand with defense attorney Derek Reid, left, during his sentencing hearing Thursday in Spokane County Superior Court. (Tyler Tjomsland)
Clay D. Starbuck looks to the back of the courtroom for his children to take the stand with defense attorney Derek Reid, left, during his sentencing hearing Thursday in Spokane County Superior Court. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Clay Starbuck's children say a no-contact order imposed by Superior Court Judge Greg Sypolt is an "attempt by the state to tear apart our family."

Blake Starbuck, 19, issued a statement Friday saying they will fight the order that stops convicted murderer Clay Starbuck from contacting his three minor children until he has a mental health evaluation. Starbuck may contact his oldest children, Blake and Austin, 22.

Starbuck was convicted of aggravated first-degree murder and sexually violating human remains in connection with the December 2011 slaying of his wife, 42-year-old Chanin Starbuck. In an unexpected twist during Starbuck's sentencing, prosecutor Larry Steinmetz asked Sypolt to enforce a no-contact order.

Starbuck will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.



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