BREAKING: Titusville Police Detectives Charge David Barber With First Degree Murder of Jesse Kirk

Kirk's body was found near Haulover Canal

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Titusville Police Detectives have charged David A. Barber, 35, with the murder of Jessie Kirk, 72, of Titusville on March 4.

Detectives added the following charges on Barber while he was still incarcerated at the Brevard County Jail for an earlier arrest.

■  1 count of 1st degree Premeditated Murder
■  1 count of Arson (vehicle)
■  1 Count of Burglary Occupied Structure
■  1 Count of Abuse of a Dead Human Body
■  1 Count of Theft
■  2 Counts of Tampering with Evidence

This case began with the disappearance of Jessie Kirk on March 4, which was recognized immediately by responding officers as highly suspicious.

David Barber was arrested later that day for Loitering and Prowling and grand theft auto.

Shortly after that, a body was located near the Haulover Canal and was subsequently identified by the Medical Examiner’s office as Jessie Kirk.

“Through the dedicated efforts of law enforcement personnel, with the assistance of family, friends, and community members, Detectives were able to gather the necessary evidence to bring these charges forward,” said a Titusville police spokesperson.

During the investigation, detectives conducted numerous interviews, reviewed evidence, and continued to investigate leads to ensure a comprehensive case.

“This collaborative effort has been instrumental in securing the charges and moving one step closer to justice and closure for Jessie Kirk’s family and friends,” said Titusville Police Detective Sergeant Bryan Nelson.

“We continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward.”

Tips can be submitted to 321-567-3900 or by contacting Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS

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TITUSVILLE POLICE: Missing Person Investigation Upgraded to a Homicide Investigation, the sole person of interest is David Barber.

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA (March 7, 2025) — Titusville Police are now conducting a homicide investigation as the remains of Jesse D. Kirk, 72, of Titusville, were located deceased near the area of Haulover Canal Bridge.

Titusville Police Detectives are asking the public to report any information about this investigation, specifically focusing on the red Honda CRV and the white Lincoln Navigator, and the sole person of interest, David Barber, to call 321-567-3900 or to remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward, CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)

Titusville police detectives and Brevard County Sheriff’s agents have been searching for Kirk, who was reported missing under what police described as “highly suspicious” circumstances.

Kirk was last seen on the morning of March 4 before she failed to appear for her routine walk along S. Washington Avenue. Concerned by her absence, a friend reported her missing, prompting an investigation by the Titusville Police Department.

During their search, officers encountered a man near Kirk’s condo exhibiting what they called suspicious behavior.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old David Armstrong Barber, was arrested on charges of loitering and prowling. Notably, authorities observed that Barber had recent burns on his body.

As the investigation progressed, police located Kirk’s vehicle in Orange County near State Road 50 and State Road 520.

The car had been set on fire and was described as “burned up” by detectives. While officials have not confirmed a direct connection between Barber and Kirk’s disappearance, court records show that Barber has since been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.

A Troubling History

Authorities have identified Barber as the estranged boyfriend of one of Kirk’s relatives. His past interactions with law enforcement include a history of alleged stalking and burglary attempts.

In November 2024, his ex-girlfriend filed a restraining order against him, citing concerns about his behavior, including an incident where she allegedly found wires and a rod attached to her car.

The following month, Barber was arrested for attempting to break into the Rockledge apartment the couple once shared.

Barber, a former corrections deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, worked with the agency from January 2018 until his voluntary resignation in January 2022. The sheriff’s office confirmed he had no formal disciplinary actions during his tenure.

Authorities have not disclosed any leads regarding Kirk’s whereabouts or whether foul play is suspected. However, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised significant concerns.

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information on Kirk’s case 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.

Space Coast Daily recognized Bob and Jesse Kirk as Central Florida Humanitarians in 2014 with the following tribute:

Bob and Jesse Kirk have shown their commitment to the Space Coast with decades of support of their hometown of Titusville.

Bob Kirk started in the real estate industry in Titusville in the 1960s, establishing Kirk Realty in 1968. As a founding member and past president of the North Brevard (Space Coast) Board of Realtors, Bob has been active in residential and commercial sales and community development through homebuilding.

Recognizing the need to give back to the community, the Kirks have channeled their enthusiasm through the support of local groups such as the Jaycees, the Elks Club, and the Sertoma Club and as founding members of the North Brevard Development Council, now the Space Coast Economic Development Council.

Bob is an active member of the Navy League of the United States, Cape Canaveral Council. During his tenure as President of the Cape Canaveral Council, Bob instituted a matching funds endowment program for the Courageous Division of Sea Cadets. This program continues to this day, opening doors for young adults to participate.

Bob Kirk has received awards for his innovative work in the community, helping beautify the area and keeping dormant real estate useful during the economic downturn.

He grew acres of sunflowers on acreage along U.S. 1 to beautify the community and distribute them to churches and nursing home residents. In the fall, he also grew pumpkins, corn in the spring, and other fresh vegetables freely given to the community from land that would otherwise have gone fallow. The project earned a beautification award from the City of Titusville.

Bob has also worked closely with the City of Titusville and local retailers to ensure that shopping centers, plazas, and retail outlets remain active in the Titusville area to serve the community’s needs.

He helped with the Riverfront Acquisition Program and donated funds for the development of Kirkpoint as a riverfront park for the community.

Bob serves on the Space Coast Development Commission’s board of directors and is a Circle of Life Member of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation.

Jesse Kirk hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and moved to the west coast of the United States in 1980, building a successful travel career in several countries. The couple met en route to Asia, and Bob subsequently convinced her to move to Titusville. They have been happily married for 23 years, and Jessie now devotes her time to supporting Bob’s ventures and their joint projects for the community.

Jessie has been active with the American Cancer Society and the scholastic and talent program of the Junior Miss Program for high school senior girls. She is on the Board of Directors of the Navy League of the United States, Cape Canaveral Council, the Friend’s Board of the Children’s Advocacy Board. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Jess Parish Medical Foundation.
Bob and Jessie Kirk both believe in giving back.

Jesse sums it up: “I have lived in big cities and did not find a sense of community. Today, I have a sense of belonging and am proud to see the direct impact of dollars raised in contributions and support. It is gratifying!”

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BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Titusville Police are asking the community for help as they search for a missing person, who is missing under highly suspicious circumstances and is considered a missing and endangered adult.

Police were notified that Jesse D. Kirk, 72, of the 3200 block S. Washington Ave, was reported missing by a friend around 9 a.m. on March 4 when she did not show up for her morning walk, which was highly unusual for her to miss.

Several hours later, as police detectives were canvassing the area, they encountered a suspicious man near the missing woman’s condo.

David Armstrong Barber, 35, of West Palm Beach, was arrested for Loitering and Prowling after Detectives found him lurking in the area.

Barber had what appeared to be significant recent burns on him. Barber is identified as the estranged boyfriend of a relative of Kirk.

Around the same timeframe, the missing woman’s vehicle was located burned up near SR 50 and SR 520 in Orange County.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Titusville Police and can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward by calling CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS.

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