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Brevard County police in Florida located the remains of a 72-year-old woman who was reported missing earlier this week.
Authorities confirmed that Jesse Kirk was murdered after her burned remains were discovered several miles from her torched car. Investigators found the vehicle on a dirt road off State Road 520 and located her remains near Haulover Canal in Titusville.
Police arrested 35-year-old David Barber, identified as the estranged boyfriend of the victim’s niece. He is considered the sole person of interest in the case.
As CrimeOnlune reported, a friend notified them on Tuesday after Kirk failed to show up for her morning walk.
A witness placed Barber at the scene of the car. Police said they arrested him for loitering and prowling near Kirk’s home on the 3200 block of South Washington Avenue. Officers reportedly found him with significant burn marks.
Investigators have not revealed a motive and are working to determine how Barber traveled between the locations where Kirk’s car and remains were found. They are also seeking witnesses who may have seen Barber in the area on March 4, FOX Orlando reports.
“Jesse is everyone’s best friend,” said her friend Sharon James. “I wish I could say the honor that I am her best friend, or she’s mine… but that’s what was special about Jesse; everyone felt that they were her best friend. It’s a sad, sad day in Titusville. A very sad day.”
Barber, who previously worked as a corrections deputy for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, is facing charges of attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Titusville Police Department. To remain anonymous, call CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS.
Barber remains behind bars without bond. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Orange County PD]
