Linda A. Krutsinger and Kendra Helmer 13

Two local brothers were arrested Thursday in connection with the Oct. 8 asphyxiation death of a Carbondale woman. One of the men is charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

Late Thursday, Carbondale Police Chief Don Strom announced arrests in the case of Pamela Travis, 29, who was found murdered in her apartment at The Fields, 700 S. Lewis Lane.

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The two men, who were arrested following interviews Thursday morning at the Carbondale Police Department, are in the Jackson County Jail.

Gary Lee Starks, 35, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. Starks faced a murder charge in Chicago in 1993 that later was reduced to aggravated battery.

Claude G. Starks, 31, is charged with obstructing justice for allegedly providing false information to investigators.

Strom said Gary Starks could face additional charges in relation to the fire police say was deliberately set after Travis was slain.

Travis’ 5-month-old twin daughters, who are in the custody of their aunt, suffered smoke-related injuries from the fire.

Strom said Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Wepsiec said it is too early to discuss a motive. Wepsiec requested arrest warrants for the brothers Thursday morning.

Strom said the two came in voluntarily, and Gary Starks seemed rather calm.

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Strom said it has been determined that Gary Starks and Travis knew each other, and that witnesses have identified him as one of the two men seen walking up the stairs to Travis’ apartment the night before her body was found.

The other man has not been identified, but Strom does not anticipate any more arrests.

Evidence also suggests that Travis and Gary Starks used crack cocaine, Strom said, and there are rumors that Starks may have been involved in dealing drugs. Police do not believe the two were romantically involved.

Strom said Gary Starks has been a suspect since the early stages of the investigation. Authorities have conducted more than 200 interviews, put in a combined 3,000 staff hours and sifted through 85 pieces of evidence collected at the crime scene. Police would not elaborate on that evidence.

This is an example of classic police work, following one lead methodically after another, Strom said. We believe we have put together a very nice case.

Gary Starks, who is employed by a local car dealership, was born and raised in Carbondale. He is on probation for aggravated battery and also has been arrested for armed robbery and drug charges.

Claude Starks, who has a criminal record in Buffalo, N.Y., returned to Carbondale a short time prior to the murder. His record includes drug charges and retail theft.

Gary Starks’ bond is set at $500,000, and Claude Starks’ bond is set at $10,000.

Strom said he spoke with Travis’ mother Thursday.

She expressed her relief to hear of the arrest, he said.