James Barber Jr: Kentucky man with mental health history arrested in fatal shooting of father and uncle
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA: A 28-year-old man has been arrested on February 17 in connection with the double homicide in Largo, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's office.
The accused, identified as James McKinley Barber Jr, was arrested in connection with the killing of 61-year-old James McKinley Barber Sr (James Sr) and 62-year-old Wesley Barber.
Barber Jr was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail and faces two charges of first-degree murder and is awaiting transfer back to Pinellas County.
What did the deputies find when they went to check on James Sr?
Detectives and deputies from the Patrol Operations Bureau visited 7981 Smoketree Court on Friday to check on James McKinley Barber Sr and Wesley Barber, who are brothers.
Their family was worried because they didn't show up for a family vacation.
Wesley Barber had been visiting James Sr and 28-year-old James McKinley Barber Jr from Kentucky before the vacation, as per ABC action news.
After they didn't show up, family members tried to contact them several times but couldn't reach them.
When they went to James Sr's house at 7981 Smoketree Court in unincorporated Largo, they noticed his car in the driveway with the trunk open. They were also concerned about Barber Jr's mental health history and knew there was a gun in the house.
Deputies arrived and saw blood coming from under the front door.
They went inside and found both James Sr and Wesley Barber dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
Detectives find surveillance camera audio
Detectives found surveillance camera audio that recorded the murders of James Sr and Wesley Barber.
Around 6.07 am, multiple gunshots were heard in the recording.
Then, Barber Jr was heard yelling obscenities "F**k you. F**k you. Dead a** don’t give a f**k, bro.”
Barber Jr ran away before the police arrived at the scene but was soon arrested by detectives and was being held in Hillsborough County without bond.
The investigation is still ongoing.
