Detectives collecting DNA samples in Starbuck killing

December 6, 2011

Updated December 8 (p.m)
Spokane County Sheriff's Department major crimes detectives continue to investigate the suspicious death of Deer Park’s Chanin D. Starbuck.
Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance and would like to talk to anyone who may have had contact with Starbuck over the past 30-plus days.
Starbuck’s body was discovered by deputies while conducting a welfare check at her home in the 500 block of north Reiper Ave., about 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 3. A caller to 911 reported seeing uncollected mail and packages at the home and requested the welfare check.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office report listed Starbuck’s death as a homicide and the cause of death as manual strangulation. The examiner believes Starbuck, who had bruises on her face and arms, was killed on Dec. 1.
Detectives are trying to establish a timeline of the incident and have begun contacting family and friends of the victim. They have not identified a suspect.
Starbuck, a single mother of five, recently began dating. Many of her dating partners and her ex-husband, Clay, have come forward to supply information and DNA samples.
Anyone who had contact or may have information regarding this case is encouraged to call Crime Check at 456-2233.