Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Charles Carson-Dowdy, a 30-year-old resident of Mobile, Alabama, has been indicted in federal court on charges including murder through use of a firearm, cyberstalking, and interstate domestic violence. The charges stem from the death of Starmichael L. Tucker in Pensacola, Florida, earlier this year. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the indictment on Monday, which also includes counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Federal Charges Unveiled
The indictment alleges that Carson-Dowdy engaged in a series of federal crimes leading to Tucker’s death. The charges carry significant penalties, with Carson-Dowdy facing up to life imprisonment if convicted on the counts outlined in the indictment.
Carson-Dowdy is scheduled to make his initial appearance and arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon. This proceeding will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on August 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Joint Investigation Underway
This complex case is the result of a collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. These include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the State Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case, working to bring the matter to trial in federal court.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that an indictment represents an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law. It is not considered evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial, during which the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The federal indictment underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the multi-agency commitment to addressing violent crime across state lines. The upcoming court proceedings will mark the next phase in this significant federal case.
