Police believe missing Florida woman was murdered after remains, burned car found
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TITUSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A missing persons case out of Brevard County turned into a homicide investigation after the woman’s remains were found amid a set of circumstances detectives are calling “highly suspicious.”

Jesse Kirk, 72, was reported missing on Tuesday, March 4, by her friend after she failed to show up for their morning walk around 9 a.m., according to NBC affiliate WESH. Kirk’s friend told Titusville police that it was highly unusual for her to not show up.

Jesse Kirk (Credit: Titusville Police Department)

Investigators said multiple surveillance cameras around the city captured Kirk’s movements in the hours leading up to her disappearance. Her white Lincoln SUV was seen moving around the city between 9 p.m. on Monday and 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

Kirk’s niece showed up to her condo on South Washington Avenue Tuesday and recognized a red Honda parked in the area, WESH reported. According to police, the vehicle belonged to 35-year-old David Barber, the estranged boyfriend of one of Kirk’s relatives.

Detectives said they found Barber loitering in the area and noticed that he appeared to have significant — and what seemed to be recent — burns. Police came across Kirk’s vehicle around the same time frame in Orange County. Officers said her white Lincoln had been set on fire.

Barber was arrested for loitering and prowling and is considered a person of interest in Kirk’s murder, according to authorities.

Her remains were found on March 6 near the Haulover Canal Bridge.

Detectives are asking anyone with information related to the case to call 321-567-3900. To remain anonymous and possibly receive a reward, contact CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

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