Richard Dustin Barker, 42, faces second-degree murder and evidence tampering charges in Florida for allegedly strangling his 56-year-old boss, Jeffrey Hubbard, to death with a tank top at RPM Mower Repair in Venice. He reportedly confessed on scene, grinning in his booking photo.
Incident Timeline
- Early Morning Confrontation (around 6 a.m.): Barker, knowing Hubbard’s routine, waited outside the Grove Street South shop. He used a white tank top as a ligature (tied to his wrist) and wore a motorcycle helmet for protection.
- Struggle and Killing: As Hubbard exited for coffee, Barker attacked, strangling him first with the tank top, then by hand and arm. They fought; Hubbard scratched Barker’s face under the helmet visor. Barker continued until Hubbard stopped breathing.
- Post-Killing Actions: Barker wrapped the bloody tank top around Hubbard’s neck to prevent revival, stole keys and a knife from his pockets, hosed blood off the sidewalk, and tried dragging the body into his red pickup.
- Failed Cleanup: Unable to load the body, he fetched a trailer from a gas station. Witnesses saw him dragging Hubbard, prompting a 911 call.
Police arrived to find Hubbard dead behind the trailer. Barker surrendered, saying on body cam, “I killed the motherf—er,” and later admitted premeditation—planning to bury the body in remote Port Charlotte.
Legal Status
Held without bond in Sarasota County Jail; court appearance Friday. Motive unclear from reports, but they were employer-employee at the engine repair shop.
This premeditated workplace killing highlights risks in small businesses—Florida’s second-degree murder carries up to 15–30 years. Details from Venice PD affidavit via local news.
