Police in Florida are investigating the death of 72-year-old Jesse Kirk as a homicide after her burned remains and SUV were discovered in separate locations.
Kirk was reported missing by a friend around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday when she failed to show up for her usual morning walk. An hour later, Orange County firefighters found her SUV engulfed in flames near State Roads 520 and 50, approximately 20 miles from her Titusville condominium.
Later that afternoon, around 2:45 p.m., authorities received a call about burned human remains near Haulover Canal. On Thursday, the remains were confirmed to be those of Jesse Kirk. Police described Kirk as a well-loved humanitarian who had a unique ability to connect with people in her community.
David Barber, a 35-year-old ex-boyfriend of one of Kirk’s nieces, has been arrested in connection with the case. However, he has only been charged with stealing Kirk’s SUV and not with her disappearance or death.
Investigators revealed that Kirk’s SUV was seen on surveillance footage moving through various locations in the city on Monday night into early Tuesday morning. A witness reported seeing Barber getting in and out of the vehicle throughout the night. Around noon on Tuesday, he was spotted acting suspiciously near Kirk’s condo, leading to his arrest on charges of loitering, prowling, and grand theft auto.
When police took Barber into custody, they noticed he had injuries consistent with high heat exposure, burns, and scratches. A witness also claimed to have seen him walking away from the scene where Kirk’s SUV was set on fire.
At this stage of the investigation, Barber is the only person of interest. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help with the case. Detective Sgt. Bryan Nelson of the Titusville Police Department stated that the department’s priority is to seek justice for Kirk and provide closure for her grieving family. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death.
