Latest news with #JessieKirk
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
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.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Find out who will miss her and when': New documents released in Titusville murder
Earlier this week, Eyewitness News told you about the State Attorney's Office's intent to seek the death penalty in the case against a former Brevard County corrections deputy. David Barber is charged with the kidnapping and murder of 72-year-old Jessie Kirk. Barber was the ex-boyfriend of Kirk's niece. Now, new documents from the State Attorney's Office provide new insight into the crime. Investigators said they located a notepad during their investigation of Barber. According to investigators, the notes begin with investment plans and include a buy-and-gather list. Among the items on that buy list were a costume, trash bags, gloves, bleach and a sprayer, a plastic box with a lid, big zip ties, a hat, and wigs. The notes also included a timeline with instructions like: 'plan route, go to local bank, park across the street, observe, put on a disguise, and find out who will miss her and when.' One line read, 'Access finances if possible'. And at the end of that timeline, 'When leaving after sweeping house after bleaching place K's fingerprint on the toilet lid.' 72-year-old Kirk was reported missing on March 4. A friend helped Titusville Police locate Kirk's Lincoln SUV across the street from her Somerset Riverfront Condo at the Apollo Landings Apartments. By the time Kirk's niece arrived, Kirk's Lincoln was gone, but her niece recognized Barber's vehicle, and police were called again. They set up surveillance in the area, and when Barber arrived, police say he had a large injury on his right arm consistent with a burn from high heat, his hair appeared to be singed, and his shirt appeared to be partially burned. When police located Kirk's remains near the Haulover Canal, they were burned. The medical examiner's office listed Kirk's death as homicidal asphyxiation with terminal immolation. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Community honors Titusville philanthropist Jessie Kirk as her accused killer sits in jail
The Brief A memorial was held for 72-year-old Jessie Kirk, who was found murdered after being reported missing in Titusville. Her accused killer, 35-year-old David Barber, is in jail awaiting trial. Friends and family honored Kirk's legacy of community service and generosity. TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A memorial was held for 72-year-old Jessie Kirk, who was found murdered after being reported missing in Titusville. What we know Jessie Kirk, a 72-year-old woman from Titusville, was reported missing on March 2 after not showing up for a scheduled walk with a friend. Her body was discovered two days later, and 35-year-old David Barber has been arrested and charged with her murder. What we don't know The circumstances leading to Jessie Kirk's death, including the details of how she was killed and the motive behind the crime, remain unclear. The case is still under investigation, and Barber is awaiting trial. The backstory Jessie Kirk was known for her deep community involvement, serving with local organizations, including the hospital, and was remembered as a leader and a force for good in Titusville. Her tragic death has left the community in shock. The murder has shaken the Titusville community, where many knew Jessie Kirk as a friendly and selfless figure. Her death is a stark reminder of the dark side that can emerge in small towns, as local residents express disbelief that such a crime could occur there. What they're saying "She was more than a leader, she was a force of good in our community," said Melissa Lugo, of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation. "Her warmth, her generosity, and her unwavering dedication to serving others left an impact on everyone in this community." "I just can't believe a crime as heinous as this could take place here in our small town of Titusville," said friend Herman Cole, who serves as Vice Mayor of Titusville. "I miss her smile and her effervescence. She was always out there. I don't think she ever met a stranger." "She kept giving back," said friend John Herring. "She worked with the hospital. She worked with lots of different organizations. She was here to serve her community." "She would want you to open your arms to the world, to chase new horizons with the same fearless heart that she did," another friend said. "For she's not truly gone, she's in the winds that call us forward." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by friends of Jessie Kirk and the Titusville Police Department.
