New Charges Filed in Case of Missing Titusville Woman Jessie Kirk

March 5, 2025

2–3 minutes

An arrest affidavit filed Thursday for reveal new details linking David Armstrong Barber, to the disappearance of 72-year-old Jesse D. Kirk’s niece, to the theft and arson of Kirk’s vehicle.

According to the arrest affidavit filed March 5, Barber, 35, faces upgraded charges of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Loitering and Prowling, with prosecutors signaling further charges are pending as detectives work to connect him to Kirk’s whereabouts.

Key details from the affidavit:
– Stolen Vehicle Caught on Surveillance: Barber was captured on police camera systems and apartment complex surveillance footage driving Kirk’s white Lincoln Navigator in Titusville on March 4, the day she was reported missing. A witness told police they saw Barber engaging in “musical cars”, repeatedly moving his maroon SUV and Kirk’s Navigator in the Apollo Landings Apartments parking lot, directly across the street from Kirk’s residence. The witness later identified Barber in person as the driver.

– Burned Vehicle, Burned Suspect: Hours after Kirk’s SUV was reported stolen, Orange County deputies found it torched near SR 50 and SR 520. A witness reported seeing a white male “holding his right arm” while fleeing the scene. Barber had sustained fresh first- and second-degree burns on his right arm, per police. Notably, this detail had not been publicly disclosed before the witness’s call.

– Evading Law Enforcement:
Detectives noted Barber was “attempting to avoid law enforcement” near Kirk’s apartment complex before his arrest. When questioned, he refused to explain his presence, stating, “I don’t feel I should answer that at this time.”

Timeline of Events:
1. March 4, 9 a.m.: Kirk is reported missing after skipping her daily walk.
2. Same morning: Barber is seen on camera driving her SUV, which family confirmed he had no permission to access.
3. Afternoon: Kirk’s burned vehicle is discovered in Orange County.
4. Evening: Barber is arrested near 120 Court St. after witnesses and video place him at multiple crime scenes.

Police confirmed Barber had a “contentious” relationship with Kirk’s niece, though the affidavit does not specify a motive. Detectives emphasized the investigation remains “fluid and active”.

Ongoing Concerns:
Kirk, described as a “creature of habit” by friends, has not been seen or heard from since March 3. Investigators have not ruled out foul play in her disappearance and are analyzing forensic evidence from the burned SUV.

Barber is being held without bond at Brevard County Jail. Court records show he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 12.

Public Appeal:
Titusville Police reiterated calls for tips, particularly from anyone who saw Barber or Kirk’s SUV between March 3–4. Anonymous tips can be submitted via CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS.

*This is a developing story. Further updates expected as forensic results and search efforts progress.