Tampa, Florida — A 74-year-old Florida man is accused of fatally shooting his longtime girlfriend in the head while they were driving home from lunch, following an argument over a house the couple had shared for years, according to police and court documents.
Alan Barber is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of 74-year-old Barbara Susdorf. According to a probable cause affidavit, Barber called 911 around 11:30 a.m. Saturday and told authorities that he had shot his girlfriend while driving in the 4100 block of E. Fowler Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found Susdorf dead in the front passenger seat with a gunshot wound to the head. Police also noted that the passenger-side window was partially blown out.
Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene and took Barber into custody.
Couple Had Been Together for More Than 25 Years
According to the affidavit, Barber told investigators after receiving his Miranda rights that he and Susdorf had been in a relationship for more than 25 years and had lived together in a home that was in Susdorf’s name.
Barber allegedly said the couple had recently been arguing and had “repeatedly expressed a mutual desire to break up.” However, authorities say the two disagreed over what would happen to the home.
Barber allegedly told investigators that he felt “entitled” to $300,000 he said he had already contributed toward the house.
According to the probable cause statement, Susdorf refused to sell the home and pay him the money. Investigators said Barber had allegedly threatened to shoot her if she did not agree to his demand.
Argument Allegedly Continued After Lunch
The couple went out to lunch on Saturday before the fatal shooting.
According to investigators, the disagreement continued when Susdorf allegedly refused to give Barber a dollar for the tip. The argument then continued after the two got into Barber’s truck and began driving home.
While driving, Barber allegedly handed Susdorf a holster containing his firearm. Authorities said Barber continued insisting that Susdorf sell the house and give him the $300,000 he claimed he was owed.
According to the affidavit, Susdorf “called him an idiot and said that she wasn’t going to pay him a dime.” She also allegedly threw her cup at him during the argument.
Police Say Barber Threatened to Shoot Her
Investigators allege that Barber then made a direct threat against Susdorf. The affidavit states that he told her that if she did not give him the $300,000, he was going to “blow her f—ing head off.”
Susdorf reportedly picked up the gun, after which Barber allegedly told her, in essence, “You don’t even know how to use the f—ing thing,” according to investigators.
Police said Barber then took the firearm from her, removed it from the holster and pointed it at her head. The affidavit states that Barber told investigators he “snapped” before firing the gun.
The shot struck Susdorf in the head, killing her.
Florida Family Mourns 13-Year-Old After Freak Playground Accident Leaves Him Brain Dead
Barber Remains in Jail Without Bond
After the shooting, officers took Barber into custody and transported him to the Hillsborough County Jail, where he remains without bond. The case is now moving through the criminal justice system, with Barber facing a second-degree murder charge in Susdorf’s death.
Authorities have not indicated that the allegations against Barber have been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tampa Police Chief Calls Shooting a Tragic Loss
Acting Tampa Police Chief Brett Owen addressed the killing in a statement, emphasizing that disagreements should never escalate into deadly violence.
“Violence is not the answer to conflict, and there is never a disagreement that should end with the tragic loss of a life,” acting Tampa Police Chief Brett Owen said in a statement. “This man chose to end an argument by using a gun, and he will now face justice for his decision.”
The investigation remains tied to the events surrounding the couple’s final argument and the shooting inside Barber’s vehicle.
For investigators, the case centers on an alleged dispute over the couple’s breakup, the ownership of Susdorf’s home and the $300,000 Barber said he was owed.
What are your thoughts on how a disagreement between longtime partners can escalate into such a devastating outcome? Share your reaction in the comments.
