Local family mourns loss of Savannah State student

A young Savannah State University student – the nephew of Timothy Starks of Pike County – was killed Aug. 27 on the school’s campus. ’I just ask that the Pike County community continue to pray for my family at this time. This tragedy has given us a testimony but it hurts very deeply right now for us,’ said Timothy Starks. ‘We ask for prayers as we try to cope with the situation.’Christopher Starks, 22, was a junior at the college and he was shot following an altercation in the school’s student union building. He died later that night at a local hospital. The campus was on lockdown following the shooting and classes were delayed the following day as well. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the shooting ‘appears to be an isolated incident’ and investigators are asking for help identifying the shooter. Timothy Starks said a reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.Students at Savannah State mourned his passing with a vigil held Aug. 28. Funeral services were held Sept. 5 at Big Miller Grove Baptist in Lithonia.Christopher was a standout football players at Miller Grove High School and signed a scholarship to play football at Appalachian State University before moving back home to be closer to family. His younger brother Jamel Sparks played for Miller Grove in his brother’s memory and wearing his brother’s jersey number the day after he was shot to death. Jamel, a freshman, plays on the varsity team just as his brother did while in high school. Their father, Willie Starks Jr., coaches the football team at Miller Grove High School.Christopher’s uncle serves on the local Hope 4 Tomorrow board and preaches at Mt. Nebo Church in Meansville.Christopher played music each Sunday at church with his family. The family is relying on their faith to help them deal his untimely death.