TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The man accused of murdering two brothers in Largo last week was extradited to Pinellas County Jail on Wednesday after being arrested by Hillsborough deputies over the weekend.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, James Barber Jr., 28, is accused of murdering brothers James McKinley Barber Sr., 61, and Wesley Barber, 62, after he was supposed to be watching their dogs.
On Feb. 16, authorities were called to 7981 Smoketree Court to check on the brothers after their family became worried when they didn’t show up for a family vacation.
The family decided to check on them at the home but became concerned when they noticed Barber Jr.’s vehicle parked in the driveway with its trunk propped open. The 28-year-old reportedly had a history of mental health problems and had a firearm in the home.
When deputies arrived, they found blood coming from the front door. Once they went inside, they found the brothers dead with several gunshot wounds.
According to the sheriff’s office, surveillance camera audio captured the shooting around 6:07 a.m., as several gunshots were heard. The suspect was also heard yelling obscenities at the brothers.
Barber Jr. had left the home before deputies arrived but was later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The investigation is ongoing.
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