Police Investigating Apparent Homicide

Date Added: July 11, 2018 9:55 am

Lt. Jason Sampsell
386-775-5482 office
386-804-8434 cell
jsampsell@ourorangecity.com
Case #2018-002051                                                                                                                                       

POLICE INVESTIGATING APPARENT HOMICIDE

Yesterday evening at approximately 5:00 PM, Orange City Police responded to 2555 Enterprise Drive at the Orange City Flats Sub Division to complete a well-being check on the resident at the request of the Hillsville Virginia Police Department. After a vehicle pursuit occurring on Sunday July 8^th, officials in Hillsville, Virginia arrested Matthew A. Barber (12/19/1968) of Orange City, Florida on a variety of charges: DWI, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hit and run, reckless driving, disregarding police commands, vandalism and obstruction of justice. On Tuesday July 10^th, while incarcerated Barber made statements to the Virginia Corrections staff that he may have harmed the resident at the Orange City address. Orange City officers attempted contact at the door with no response. With the information learned from Hillsville, Virginia, forced entry was made into the Orange City residence by officers to conduct a well-being check on any occupants.

Once inside the residence, officers located a deceased female located in a hallway. There were obvious signs of foul play located inside the residence. There were no other persons located inside the residence. The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Hilda G. Bailey of Orange City. The Volusia County Crime Scene Unit responded to assist with processing the scene.

The investigation thus far indicates this was not a random act. Orange City investigators continue working with Hillsville, Virginia Law Enforcement officials, the State Attorney’s Homicide Investigations Unit and the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office concerning this death investigation and incident. Orange City detectives will be responding to Hillsville, Virginia later this afternoon to continue the investigation regarding the death of Hilda G. Bailey. An autopsy will be performed by the Medical Examiner’s office later today to determine the cause of death. Barber remains in custody in Virginia under the aforementioned charges on a no bond status.

Additional information concerning this investigation will be updated as it becomes available.  Anyone with information should contact Detective Kenneth Jones at 386-775-5478.