08/24/2026
August 24, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Martinsville Police Investigate Shooting
Martinsville, VA – On Saturday, August 1, 2026, officers with the Martinsville Police Department responded to the 900 block of Starling Avenue after hearing multiple shots being fired in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located multiple pieces of evidence related to the shots fired in the rear parking lot of a business in the 900 block of Starling Ave. Officers determined that there were no injuries related to the incident.
Through the course of the investigation, officers identified Kevin Darel Preston, 38, of Martinsville, as the suspect. Preston was subsequently arrested on August 21, 2026.
Preston has been charged with two counts of attempted manslaughter, shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless handling of a fi***rm, and shooting in a public place. He is currently being held at the Martinsville City Jail without bond.
The Martinsville Police Department would also like to clarify that this incident was determined to be unrelated to the homicide that occurred on August 1, 2026, on Fayette Street in the City of Martinsville. The two incidents are not associated.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Adam Parnell of the Martinsville Police Department at 276-403-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 276-63CRIME (276-632-7463). Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips, and tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
# # #