The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims in a double homicide in Largo. Detectives say that Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to 7981 Smoketree Court to check the welfare of two individuals, 61-year-old James McKinley Barber Sr. and 62-year-old Wesley Barber, on February 16, 2024.

Detectives say Wesley was visiting James Sr. and James Barber Jr. from Kentucky before leaving for the vacation. James Jr. was going to remain behind to care for the family dog. The family grew concerned when they were unable to contact James Sr. and Wesley multiple times. At the scene, deputies found what appeared to be blood coming from under the front door of the residence.

Once inside the residence, deputies found the victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives say they were able to locate surveillance camera audio that captured the murders. Around 6:07 a.m., multiple gunshots can be heard. Then, a suspect who was identified as James McKinley Barber Jr. can be heard yelling, “F*** you. F*** you. Dead a$$ don’t give a f*** bro.”

Authorities say James Jr. fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. He was later arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder.