Andre Leonard Barnes, 66, a retired art teacher remembered as a kind mentor and father figure to many former students, was shot on July 7, 2026, at a home on Essex Drive in Fort Pierce, Florida. Deputies from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office found Barnes after the shooting and he was taken to a local hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

A 41-year-old family member, Dale Mincey, was taken into custody at the scene. At the time he was being held on outstanding felony warrants from Broward County for dealing in stolen property and false verification to a pawnbroker. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division described the homicide probe as active and said the shooting appeared isolated with no further threat to the public. The Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office were reviewing evidence to determine whether additional charges related to Barnes’s death would be filed.

Anyone who knew Andre Barnes or who has information about the events on Essex Drive on July 7 is asked to come forward.