A 74-year-old Tampa man has been charged with murder after police say his longtime girlfriend was fatally shot during an argument that began after the couple went out to lunch and continued while they were driving home.
Alan Barber is accused of killing 74-year-old Barbara Susdorf on Saturday, October 3, in Tampa. Police said the couple had known each other for more than two decades and were traveling together in a white Chevrolet pickup, with Barber behind the wheel and Susdorf in the passenger seat.
The dispute reportedly centered on the couple’s relationship and a house they shared. According to the investigation, Barber and Susdorf had been together for more than 25 years and had recently discussed ending their relationship.
Police said the disagreement became more serious after the couple left a local restaurant. While they were driving along the 4100 block of E. Fowler Avenue, the argument continued inside the truck.
Investigators say Barber wanted the house sold and believed he was entitled to $300,000 he had previously contributed toward the property. The home was in Susdorf’s name, and police said she refused to sell it or give him the money.
The argument reportedly escalated further inside the vehicle. Authorities say Barber threatened Susdorf and eventually took a firearm from a holster before shooting her in the head.
Susdorf died inside the truck. When officers arrived, they found her in the front passenger seat and secured the area. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered, and the pickup truck was impounded as evidence.
Police said Barber was taken into custody without incident on October 3 and later transported to the Orient Road Jail. He is facing a murder charge and remains in custody.
The case has raised attention because investigators say the fatal shooting followed a personal dispute involving a long-term relationship and disagreement over property. What began as an argument after lunch ultimately ended with Susdorf’s death.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is focused on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the evidence recovered at the scene.
Acting Tampa Police Chief Brett Owen said violence should never be used to resolve a disagreement and that Barber will now face the legal consequences of the alleged shooting.
The investigation remains part of the criminal case against Barber, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
