Haunting handwritten 12-page 'to-do list' from former cop revealed after his arrest for socialite's murder
A Florida socialite's murder has taken an even more sinister turn with the discovery of a 12-page handwritten manifesto - part financial wish list, part step-by-step murder plot.
What prosecutors now call a 'cold, calculated killing' is laid bare in pen strokes across lined paper, found during the investigation into 35-year-old David Armstrong Barber, a former corrections officer charged with murdering 72-year-old Jessie Kirk.
The Titusville matriarch vanished on March 4. Hours later, her body was found charred and abandoned near the Haulover Canal - identified only through forensic work.
The man now accused of killing her left behind what investigators describe as a disturbingly thorough checklist.
The 'to-do' list reads: 'Pack and leave… Go to local bank… park across the street, observe and put on disguise, at 5 move across the street and go in. Have in purse: Gun, duct tape eyes and ears, handcuffs.'
Another entry hints at an eerie attempt to stage the crime scene: 'When leaving after sweeping house after bleaching, place K's fingerprint on toilet lid.'
Prosecutors say Barber's so-called plan reflected both criminal precision and motive.
Another entry reads: 'Find out who will miss her and when. Find out about K, when did they talk last, when were they together… Transfer everything to SUV. Let her out of box inside SUV… Use her phone… If possible access finances, request credit line increase, apply for new cards,' the notes continue.
The 'to-do' list reads: 'Pack and leave… Go to local bank… park across the street, observe and put on disguise, at 5 move across the street and go in. Have in purse: Gun, duct tape eyes and ears, handcuffs.'
In a disturbing moment of self-direction, Barber scribbled a chilling note to himself amid the meticulous planning: 'Don't rush this.'
Kirk's friends sounded the alarm after she skipped her regular morning walk.
That same morning, police stopped Barber - who once dated Kirk's niece - near her condominium.
He had burns on his right arm and singed hair. Witnesses told police he was behind the wheel of Kirk's white Lincoln Navigator.
Hours later, the SUV was discovered engulfed in flames near the small town of Christmas.
Kirk's body - burned beyond recognition - was located shortly after by a NASA security guard on patrol.
Inside her garage, detectives reported a pungent odor of bleach. The floor was wet. Her personal safe sat open just a few feet away.
Police say Barber was seen walking back and forth between Kirk's vehicle and his own Honda.
Using FLOCK tag reader technology, investigators tracked the SUV's movements until it abruptly stopped where her remains were ultimately found.
Adding to the suspicion was a cryptic text message sent from Kirk's phone shortly before her death.
The message, received by the niece who once dated Barber, claimed Kirk was 'going into hiding', missed her late husband, and warned not to contact authorities.
Police now believe Barber sent the message himself.
He was initially booked for loitering, prowling, and grand theft auto.
The murder, arson, and kidnapping charges followed as evidence mounted.
Barber's past includes a stint at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, where he served as a corrections deputy from 2018 to 2022.
The department confirmed he resigned voluntarily and had no disciplinary record.
His LinkedIn profile also listed a brief security role with SpaceX, though it's unclear how long he held that position.
Now, as State Attorney William Scheiner pushes for the death penalty, Barber remains behind bars, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for June 11.
Officials expect the case to take years due to its severity.
'Jessie was a dedicated humanitarian, serving on the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation board, where she later became Chair,' her obituary reads.
'She was also a passionate supporter of Friends of the Children's Advocacy Center as well as being a mentor encouraging education and entrepreneurship among her family and community.'
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