Starina Marie Woods
Physical Description
Height: 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 4 inches
Weight: Approximately 120 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Race/Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Distinguishing Features:
Tattoo of a green and orange dragon on her neck and upper back
Tattoo of two roses on her shoulder
Tattoo of a band around her left ankle
Tattoo on her left thigh
Tattoo on her right calf
Tattoo of a phrase in black ink on her upper arm
Multiple piercings in ears, face, lips, and chest
Starina “Star” Woods was last seen on March 10, 2016, at her home in Charleston, West Virginia. At 34 years old, she was in the midst of a new chapter—relocating from Mount Lookout to Charleston with her husband, Arthur “Owen” Woods, for his job at the airport. Star was known for her vibrant spirit, love of the outdoors, and deep affection for her two children, who were living in Virginia at the time.
The day before she vanished, Star and Owen reportedly had a heated argument, which he later admitted turned violent.After that day, she was never heard from again. Owen did not report her missing; instead, he told varying stories to others, including that she had moved to Oklahoma or fled to Ecuador with an ex-husband. These claims were inconsistent and unsubstantiated.
In the weeks following her disappearance, Owen used Star's debit card multiple times, including purchases made from his work computer and ATM withdrawals captured on surveillance footage. He also sold her car. It wasn't until May 19, 2016, that Star's family reported her missing. Subsequent investigations uncovered significant amounts of blood in their home, some visible and some cleaned up, indicating foul play.
In 2019, Owen was charged with Star's murder. He later entered a plea of no contest to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three years in prison. Despite this, Star's body has never been found, and her family continues to seek closure.
What You Can Do
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Starina Marie Woods, please contact the Charleston Police Department at (304) 348-6480.
Starina is listed in the NamUs database under case number MP34589.
Even after all these years, Star’s story matters. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could help bring much-needed answers.
Behind the Scenes of the Project
A FOIA request was submitted on March 2, 2025, in an effort to obtain records related to the disappearance and death of Starina Woods. When no response was received, follow-up calls were placed on March 25, March 31, and April 7. Each time, a voicemail was left. On April 9, a formal follow-up letter was mailed to continue the request through official channels.
On April 24, we received a response from the agency’s attorney stating that they could not release any information, citing an ongoing investigation.
This denial has been difficult to reconcile, particularly given that Starina’s husband has been charged in connection with her murder. While we understand the need to protect sensitive details during legal proceedings, it remains unclear why basic records cannot be released in a case where charges have already been filed and a conviction obtained.
Our hope is that, with time, more information will be made available, both for the sake of transparency and to ensure Starina’s story is fully known.