ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Family members of 16-year-old Star Grant filled the hallway outside a Buncombe County courtroom Thursday, sharing memories through tears and nervous laughter as they waited for a glimpse of the teenager accused of killing her parents and grandmother.
Grant made her first court appearance on three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her mother, Kimberly “Kim” Grant, her father, Travis Grant, and her grandmother, Sharon Grant.
While waiting for the afternoon session to begin, family spokesperson and Kim Grant’s cousin Nick, who asked that his last name not be used, described the loss as devastating and said relatives are still struggling to understand what happened.
“Kim was a big part of my childhood and our family’s life,” he said in a statement. “This loss has devastated all of us, and it was something we never expected.”
Nick described Kim Grant as a devoted mother who often referred to Star as her “miracle baby.”
“Kim and Travis were good parents who cared deeply for their family,” he said. “Our hearts also go out to Travis’ mother, Sharon Grant, and all of her loved ones during this unimaginable tragedy.”
Nick also said the family believes Kim and Travis had recently become aware of a relationship between Star Grant and 28-year-old co-defendant Devan Oneal Loving and were trying to intervene.
“We have serious concerns that Star may have been groomed and manipulated due to her age and vulnerability,” Nick said.
828newsNOW is attempting to locate Loving’s family for comment.
Inside the courtroom, prosecutors revealed new details about the killings while arguing Grant should be held without bond.
Assistant District Attorney Amy Buchanan told the court all three victims were shot and stabbed during the attack inside the family’s Ashworth Drive home.
“This is a matter where we have three individuals that were murdered — Ms. Grant’s father, mother and grandmother,” Buchanan said. “All three of them were shot and then stabbed.”
Buchanan also alleged that after the killings, Grant and Loving took the victims’ wallets and fled the scene before the bodies were discovered days later during a welfare check.
Grant, wearing what appeared to be a sweatshirt, stood quietly with her hands clasped in front of her during the hearing.
Because Grant is charged as an adult, she faces life without parole if convicted. North Carolina law does not allow the death penalty for defendants who were under 18 at the time of the crimes.
Public defender Doug Edwards was appointed to represent Grant, though attorney Ted Besen appeared on her behalf Thursday because Edwards was out of town.
A judge ordered Grant held without bond. Her probable cause hearing is scheduled for June 4.
Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom Thursday.
According to arrest warrants, investigators allege Grant and Loving conspired to kill the three victims on or about May 1, several days before deputies discovered the bodies on May 7 while responding to a welfare check.
Investigators initially considered Star Grant missing before she and Loving were located at a hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Grant was extradited to Buncombe County earlier this week after waiving extradition in Sevier County, Tennessee.
She is being housed at a juvenile detention facility in Alexander County, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
Loving also faces three counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and abduction of a child. Authorities said he is expected to be extradited to Buncombe County later this week.
Investigators have not publicly discussed a motive in the killings.