A Philanthropist Is Missing and Her Car Was Burned — as Niece's Ex Is Accused by Cops of 'Prowling' Near Home

Mar. 15, 2025

Jesse D Kirk.Photo:Titusville Police Department

Titusville Police Department

Jesse Kirk, 72, went missing on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, from Titusville, Fla., in what authorities say is a “highly suspicious” case,FOX 35,Spectrum News 13andWESHreported.

Her friend reported her missing around 9 a.m. that morning when she did not show up for their routine walk, the outlets reported.

David Armstrong Barber, 35, a former deputy with Brevard County, was also charged on Wednesday with grand theft of a motor vehicle, per the court records.

Investigators said in an arrest affidavit that Barber is a former boyfriend of Kirk’s niece.

Barber also matched descriptions of a man seen walking away from Kirk’s burning vehicle holding his right arm, per the affidavit. Investigators noted that Barber had sustained first and second degree burns on his right arm after allegedly setting the vehicle on fire.

David Armstrong Barber.Chief of Police, City of Rockledge

Chief of Police, City of Rockledge

Kirk is the wife of prominent Titusville real estate businessman Bob Kirk and the couple are known for their contribution to their community, perSpace Coast Daily, which honored the couple in 2014 as “Central Florida Humanitarians.”

Jesse had built a “successful travel career in several countries,” the Space Coast Daily wrote in their 2014 tribute for the awardee couple.

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Barber has not been charged in connection with Kirk’s disappearance. He is currently facing a charge of grand theft, along with a charge of loitering and prowling, per his online case docket. Court information did not indicate any pleas.

PEOPLE has reached out to the public defender assigned to him for further information.

source: people.com