State Attorney Releases Chilling Handwritten Notes Detailing Premeditated and Methodical Plan in Jesse Kirk Murder Case

document includes timeline and detailed checklist allegedly used in the planning and execution of the murder of Kirk

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — New evidence has emerged in the chilling case of 72-year-old Jessie Kirk as law enforcement authorities have released a handwritten document allegedly authored by David A. Barber, 35, the man accused of kidnapping and murdering Kirk.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL DOCUMENT

The chilling document outlines what appears to be a premeditated and methodical plan leading up to Kirk’s death, whose burned remains were discovered south of Haulover Canal in March 2025.

Kirk was reported missing on March 4 after she failed to meet a friend for her routine morning walk.

Later that day, her white Lincoln SUV was found engulfed in flames in a wooded area near State Road 520 and State Road 50 in Orange County.

Hours after the vehicle was identified, human remains were located near Haulover Canal and later confirmed to be Kirk’s.

During the initial investigation, police encountered Barber near Kirk’s Titusville condo, noting that he appeared suspicious and was suffering from both first- and second-degree burns.

He was taken into custody on charges including loitering, prowling, and grand theft auto. His arrest later escalated into a broader investigation that culminated in charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, among several others.

On Monday, May 12, the State Attorney’s Office released a 12-page handwritten document written on yellow legal paper that was recovered during the investigation.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL DOCUMENT

This document includes a disturbing timeline and a detailed checklist allegedly used in the planning and execution of the murder of Kirk.

The timeline, dated February 27 and 28, describes tasks such as packing supplies, securing disguises, abducting Kirk, and gaining access to her financial accounts.

Among the items listed were bleach, duct tape, zip ties, handcuffs, and trash bags — many of which were reportedly acquired by Barber before the crime.

The notes also included instructions to impersonate Kirk using her phone, attempt financial transactions in her name, and even place another person’s fingerprint on a toilet lid, seemingly to mislead investigators.

Authorities believe financial gain was one of the primary motivations behind the crime. The document includes a list of potential gold retailers and plans to withdraw cash and apply for credit under Kirk’s identity.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL DOCUMENT

Kirk was a longtime humanitarian in the Titusville community. She was known for her generosity and volunteer work and the details of her murder have sent shockwaves through the community.

Barber, a former corrections deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, was also reportedly under a restraining order for allegedly stalking Kirk’s niece last year.

Kirk’s niece filed for a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Barber, after discovering he had posted explicit photos of her online without her consent.

After she ended their three-year relationship in June 2024 and moved, Barber was allegedly seen on surveillance video placing a wire under her car and returning to her home multiple times, sometimes hiding near her vehicle or sifting through her trash.

Barber continued his behavior despite a cease-and-desist letter and a temporary injunction in November 2024.

He was later caught on a Ring camera attempting to disable surveillance at their former shared apartment in Brevard County. Police arrested him on December 22, 2024, for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools; he was released the same day on bond.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including First-degree premeditated murder, Kidnapping, Arson, Abuse of a dead human body, Grand Theft Auto, Burglary of a Dwelling, and Tampering with Evidence.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, citing the brutality and calculated nature of the crime.

State Attorney William Scheiner called the murder “especially heinous” and “committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner without any pretense of moral or legal justification.”

Barber is in the Brevard County Jail awaiting trial, and a docket sounding is scheduled for June 11.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL DOCUMENT

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

State Attorney William Scheiner will seek the death penalty for David A. Barber, charged with kidnapping and murdering Jessie Kirk, 72, of Titusville in March.

The state’s Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty cites the following aggravating factors to the capital-felony charge of first-degree premeditated murder:

– The capital felony was committed for pecuniary (financial) gain.
– The crime was “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.”
– The homicide was committed in a “cold, calculated and premeditated manner without any pretense of moral or legal justification.”

Barber, 35, was arrested on suspicion of murder in March after Kirk’s body was found burned near the Haulover Canal in north Brevard and her Lincoln Navigator SUV was found burned near State Road 50 and State Road 520 in Orange County.

The Brevard County Grand Jury indicted Barber in April on nine charges that also include burglary, arson, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and abuse of a dead human body.

ABOVE VIDEO: Bob and Jessie Kirk were inducted into the Central Florida Humanitarians Class of 2014

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.

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 the dollars raised in contributions and support. It is gratifying!”

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