An investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office revealed Sunday that the man arrested for his role in a double homicide in Largo shot and killed both his father and uncle at the father’s house.
According to detectives, deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau went to 7981 Smoketree Court on Friday to check the welfare of 61-year-old James McKinley Barber, Sr. and 62-year-old Wesley Barber, who are brothers, after family members grew concerned because they didn’t show up to a family vacation.
Detectives learned Wesley Barber was visiting Barber, Sr. and 28-year-old James McKinley Barber, Jr. from Kentucky before leaving for the vacation.
Detectives state that after Barber, Sr. and Wesley Barber failed to show up, family members attempted to contact both several times by phone but could not reach them.
The family grew more concerned when they went to Barber, Sr.’s residence and noticed his vehicle in the driveway with the trunk open.
Family members told detectives they were also worried due to Barber, Jr.’s mental health history and that they knew there was a firearm inside the home.