Trooper C. D. Harper of the Sutton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police began an investigation on May 15 resulting from a 9-1-1 call. Brittany Brown had filled a complaint that someone had broken into her parent’s home at 403 Church Street, Burnsville.
When Trooper Harper arrived on scene Brown told him she had been checking on her parent’s home, Donald and Karen Barker who were out of town. She stated that she had visited the residences the previous day and found everything secure. The daughter told the officer that when she arrived that evening, she found the house unsecure with both the garage and side door open. Further inspection revealed that numerous items had been stolen including a large gun safe containing several firearms, a smaller safe, generator, jewelry and other items.
Trooper Harper collected evidence at the scene which included description of missing items and the serial number of two of the firearms. The officer later entered those weapons into the NCIC systems as being stolen.
Ms. Brown told the Trooper that her sister, Lisa Barker, had a substance abuse issue and had been living in Ritchie County with a man named Kevin Byrd. Brown stated that she felt the sister may be involved.
The officer’s investigation led to the discovery that Kevin Byrd had a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation. Byrd also has a history of grand larceny and receiving and transferring stolen goods.
Trooper Harper contacted Trooper Taylor of the Harrisville Detachment who was familiar with both Barker and Byrd. The officers’ investigation led them to a Ritchie County woman who stated that she had loaned the accused her pickup truck and trailer on May 14 which had not been returned at the time of the officers’ interview.
The property owner also reported that a member of his family had observed pictures that Lisa Barker had posted on her TikTok account and Facebook of her wearing some of the stolen jewelry.
On June 14 Byrd and Barker were stopped by the Ohio State Patrol on I-77 in Summit County, Ohio. During the stop one of the guns reported stolen was discovered in the vehicle. Two additional firearms also believed to have been taken from the Burnsville home were also recovered. Byrd was arrested as a result of the traffic stop. Barker was cited for marijuana possession and released.
Lisa Marie Barker, 31, of Cairo, WV was arrested on the Braxton County charges by Trooper Harper. She was arraigned before Magistrate Beth Smith on charges of burglary, grand larceny and felony conspiracy. Her bond was set at $50,000 cash only. Barker is currently lodged in the Central Regional Jail awaiting additional court appearances. Charges stemming for the incident against Kevin Bryd are pending as the investigation continues.