Starring’s AFC ring recovered after theft

Published 7:43 am Saturday, March 9, 2013

Stephen Starring’s 1985 AFC Championship ring was stolen during a burglary, but has since been recovered, authorities said.

Starring, a former McNeese State football star, is currently facing a charge of attempted second-degree murder after an incident at his Vinton home on Dec. 9.

Starring’s home was burglarized while he was in Calcasieu Correctional Center, in what Vinton police said was believed to be retaliation for a shooting.

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The ring was sold at a kiosk in the mall, Vinton Police Chief Ricky Fox said.

Fox said kiosk personnel then took the ring to Diamond Durrell’s to have it appraised and Durrell’s recognized it as likely stolen property.

Randy Jones, manager of Diamond Durrell’s, said the shop doesn’t see stolen merchandise often, but when it does appear, it’s not always as easy to spot as an AFC Championship ring.

Jones said he did not appraise the ring personally.

Jeremiah Janice faces one count of illegal possession of stolen things over $1,500 in relation to the theft, according to Holly Carter, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney spokeswoman.

Police said Starring, who has since bonded out of jail, shot Dillon Worthy in the lower back as Worthy was leaving his home.

Authorities said Starring reported the incident to police as a home invasion, but did not tell them he had shot one of the men.

Starring said Worthy and another man, Joseph Batiste, forced their way into his home and started beating him, according to Fox.

Worthy and Batiste had gone to the home to reclaim money, Fox said.

Fox said that it was unclear whether Worthy was in the house or out of the doorway when he was shot.

Starring’s case is expected to be presented to a grand jury.

Starring played on the 1985 New England Patriots team that went to the Super Bowl, losing 46-10 to the Bears.

In the AFC Championship, a 31-14 Pats victory over Miami, Starring returned three kicks for a total of 67 yards.

Starring, a wide receiver, played in the NFL from 1983 to 1988, accumulating 2,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.8 yards per kickoff.

He was the offensive MVP of the 1980 Independence Bowl between McNeese and Southern Miss.””

Former McNeese State and professional football star Stephen Dale Starring. (American Press Archives)

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McNeese State quarterback Stephen Starring runs against USL in 1980. (American Press Archives)