A knock on a Florida man’s door led law enforcement to a gruesome discovery in Jacksonville, where three people had been fatally stabbed, authorities said. Austin Fisher, 30, has been charged with the murders of Savannah Barber, 27; Edwin Barber, 49; and Shad Cole, 37, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. Fisher was arrested and taken into custody earlier this week.
Discovery of the Victims
On Thursday, a man contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Communications Center after a man knocked on his front door. When patrol officers arrived, they encountered Edwin Barber on the front porch with a stab wound to his chest. The sheriff’s office explained that Barber had originally been stabbed at his home down the street and had run to a neighbor’s house for help.
As officers investigated further, they found Savannah Barber inside a bedroom at the Barber home, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Deputies also discovered Shad Cole with multiple stab wounds on the porch of another house in the neighborhood. Both Savannah Barber and Cole were pronounced dead before receiving medical attention, while Edwin Barber was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Allegations From Family
Amy Barber, Savannah Barber’s mother and Edwin Barber’s wife, described the tragedy and alleged circumstances surrounding the murders in an interview with WJAX, a local CBS affiliate. She said:
“She did not deserve this, or my husband, or even Shad, any of them. I was told that the original argument started over $600 that was supposedly missing.”
Amy Barber also alleged that Fisher had been living in the back shed of her husband’s property. According to her account, Fisher waited until everyone was asleep before stabbing them. She further claimed that after stabbing Savannah Barber, who was still alive, Fisher returned to ensure there were no witnesses, killing her as well.
The woman also alleged that Fisher then paid someone $100 to call an Uber and admitted to the driver what he had done. Authorities have not confirmed this account or disclosed a motive for the stabbings.
Law Enforcement Investigation
The sheriff’s office reported that, with the assistance of community residents, deputies identified Fisher as the suspect and tracked him to a nearby motel. He is now in custody without bond, facing three counts of murder. Investigators continue to examine the details of the case, but no official motive has been released.
Summary Table of Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Austin Fisher, 30 |
| Location | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Date | Thursday, investigation initiated by knock on door |
| Victims | Savannah Barber, 27; Edwin Barber, 49; Shad Cole, 37 |
| Cause of Death | Multiple stab wounds |
| Discovery | Edwin Barber found on neighbor’s porch; Savannah Barber in bedroom; Shad Cole on porch of another house |
| Arrest | Fisher arrested at nearby motel; held without bond |
| Allegations | Fisher lived in back shed, allegedly stabbed victims while asleep, paid Uber driver $100 after incident |
| Family Statement | Amy Barber claims argument started over $600; describes actions as deliberate targeting to prevent witnesses |
The triple stabbing in Jacksonville, Florida, has left the community shaken. Austin Fisher, 30, now faces three counts of murder for the killings of Savannah Barber, Edwin Barber, and Shad Cole.
Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks and any potential motives, while family members and neighbors mourn the violent loss of life. The case underscores the dangers that can arise in domestic disputes and the role of community cooperation in identifying suspects.
