Jessie Kirk: Missing Florida woman's car found burned; what we know about the case
Human remains found as police search for Jessie Kirk
Police in Florida are searching for a missing 72-year-old woman. Authorities said Jessie D. Kirk seemingly disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Police in Florida are searching for a missing 72-year-old woman who authorities said seemingly disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Here's what we know about the Titusville Police Department's missing person investigation regarding Jessie D. Kirk.
Who is Jessie Kirk?
What we know:
On March 4, at around 9 a.m., Jessie Kirk, 72, was reported missing by a friend after she did not show up for her usual morning walk along S. Washington Avenue in Titusville – a departure from her routine.
Photo of Jessie D. Kirk (Credit: Titusville Police Department)
Suspicious man spotted near missing woman's home
During a search for Kirk, Titusville police said they encountered a "suspicious" man, later identified as David Armstrong Barber, near her condo.
He was arrested on charges of loitering and prowling. Authorities noted that he had recent, significant burns on his body.
On Wednesday, Barber was additionally charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, according to court records.
Missing woman's burned vehicle found
Kirk's vehicle was located Tuesday near State Road 50 and State Road 520 in Orange County. The vehicle was "burned up," according to detectives.
What we don't know:
Investigators have not disclosed whether Kirk’s disappearance is directly linked to Barber’s presence or his injuries. There is no confirmation yet of whether foul play was involved in her disappearance, though authorities have labeled the case as "highly suspicious."
Police have not released any leads regarding Kirk’s possible whereabouts or if any physical evidence has been recovered from the burned vehicle. Barber’s arrest came after detectives spotted him lurking near Kirk’s home, though it remains unclear why he was in the area and whether he had provided any statements to authorities.
Who is David Barber?
Barber is the estranged boyfriend of Kirk's relative, officials said.
The 35-year-old West Palm Beach man was previously employed as a corrections deputy for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office from January 2018 until he volantarily resigned in January 2022, the sheriff's office confirmed.
Authorities said Barber "received no formal discipline during his employment with the agency."
Booking photo of David Barber from a previous, unrelated arrest
Dig deeper:
Court documents state that in November 2024, Barber’s ex-girlfriend filed a restraining order against him for stalking her. He was allegedly seen digging through a dumpster outside of her apartment, and was allegedly seen underneath her car. Court documents state the ex-girlfriend found a rod and wires attached to her car.
We are also learning this is not his first encounter with law enforcement.
In December 2024, Barber was arrested, accused of attempting to break into the Rockledge apartment he and his ex-girlfriend lived in together until the two broke up in July 2024.
He was arrested for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools, officials said.
What they're saying:
Titusville Police have described Kirk's case as "highly suspicious" and have labeled her as a "missing and endangered adult."
What you can do:
Anyone with information about Kirk's whereabouts or disappearance is urged to contact the Titusville Police Department. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS and may be eligible for a reward.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Titusville Police Department. Additional details regarding David Barber were obtained by the City of Rockledge-Government and court records.