Titusville woman missing under 'suspicious' events; car found 'burned,' officials say
Titusville woman missing under 'suspicious' events
Titusville Police are investigating the disappearance of Jesse D. Kirk, 72, who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances. During their search, detectives encountered David Armstrong Barber, 35, of West Palm Beach, in the area near Kirk’s condo. Barber, identified as the estranged boyfriend of a relative of Kirk, was arrested for loitering and prowling. Authorities noted that he had recent, significant burns on his body. Adding to the mystery, Kirk’s burned vehicle was later found.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Titusville Police are searching for a woman who vanished under what they describe as suspicious circumstances.
Have you seen her?
What we know:
Titusville Police are investigating the disappearance of Jesse D. Kirk, 72, who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances.
Kirk was reported missing by a friend after she did not show up for her usual morning walk along S. Washington Ave. — a departure from her routine.
Jesse D. Kirk
During their search, detectives encountered David Armstrong Barber, 35, of West Palm Beach, in the area near Kirk’s condo. Barber, identified as the estranged boyfriend of a relative of Kirk, was arrested for loitering and prowling. Authorities noted that he had recent, significant burns on his body.
Adding to the mystery, Kirk’s burned vehicle was found near State Road 50 and State Road 520 in Orange County.
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.
Dig deeper:
Titusville Police have arrested David Barber for lurking outside of the home of Jesse Kirk on Tuesday.
Investigators say Barber is the estranged ex-boyfriend of a relative to Kirk.
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, 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 charged with attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Barber is currently facing charges for loitering and prowling for today's arrest. Investigators have not said if he is connected to Kirk’s disappearance.
What they're saying:
Titusville Police have described the case as "highly suspicious" and have labeled Kirk as a "missing and endangered adult."
Police also noted that Barber was "found lurking in the area" and had "significant recent burns" on his body at the time of his arrest.
What you can do:
Authorities in Titusville are urging the public to provide any information, emphasizing that tips can remain anonymous through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Titusville Police Department.