Teen on Trial for Shooting Death of Woman Mowing Neighbor's Lawn

Attorneys argue over intent and circumstances surrounding the 2024 killing in Gary, Indiana.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:34pm

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The trial has begun for Jaron LaDale Starks Jr., an 18-year-old from Gary, Indiana, who is charged with the 2024 murder of 36-year-old Jessica Lipscomb. Prosecutors allege Starks shot and killed Lipscomb while she was mowing her neighbor's lawn, but Starks's attorney argues the shooting was not intentional and that Starks was acting in self-defense when Lipscomb approached him aggressively.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities surrounding use of force and intent in violent incidents, as well as the challenges of piecing together the full context of a tragic event. The outcome could have significant implications for the teen defendant and the community.

The details

Prosecutors say Lipscomb had been "day drinking" and criticizing Starks's "lawn mowing skills" before the shooting. Starks's attorney argues Starks had never met Lipscomb before and that she was "barefoot and unarmed" when she approached Starks, who was mowing a neighbor's lawn as a favor. The attorney says Starks felt someone "go for his gun" that he carried for protection, and that's when he shot Lipscomb. Starks immediately fled the scene but was later identified through video footage and a license plate.

  • The shooting occurred on September 4, 2024 around 5:15 pm.
  • The trial began on March 10, 2026.

The players

Jaron LaDale Starks Jr.

An 18-year-old from Gary, Indiana who is on trial for the murder of Jessica Lipscomb.

Jessica Lipscomb

A 36-year-old woman who was shot and killed while mowing her neighbor's lawn in 2024.

Judith Massa

The Lake County Prosecuting Attorney handling the case against Starks.

Jesse Harper

The attorney representing Starks, who argues the shooting was not intentional.

Marcus Jones

Starks's boss, who told him to go to the backyard when Lipscomb approached.

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What they’re saying

“Who wasn't spoken to? What evidence wasn't collected? I want you to ask yourselves, 'Why are we here?'”

— Jesse Harper, Starks's attorney (Chicago Tribune)

“Lipscomb had been 'day drinking' and that she'd been criticizing Starks's 'lawn mowing skills too many times' the day he shot her.”

— Judith Massa, Lake County Prosecuting Attorney (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Testimony is scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning, and the trial is expected to conclude by Friday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities around use of force, intent, and context in violent incidents, raising questions about whether the shooting was truly intentional murder or an act of self-defense by a scared teenager. The outcome could have significant implications for the defendant and the community.