Mother Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Gulf Breeze Homicide Investigation

Santa Rosa County, FL (BuzzReport) — Nearly three months after a 26-year-old woman was found dead inside a Gulf Breeze residence, her mother has been arrested and charged with her murder following what authorities describe as a comprehensive and lengthy investigation.

On November 25, 2025, deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3200 block of Santa Rosa Drive in the Gulf Breeze area in reference to a death investigation. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased individual later identified as 26-year-old Reagan Barber.

The case was immediately assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Through extensive investigative efforts, detectives determined that Reagan Barber was the victim of a homicide.

After coordinating with the Office of the State Attorney, Major Crimes detectives developed probable cause to seek an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Wendi Danielle Barber, 46 — the victim’s mother — charging her with one count of Second-Degree Murder.

On February 13, 2026, Wendi Danielle Barber turned herself in to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and was taken into custody.

The investigation involved multiple agencies across several states. Assisting in the case were the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Decatur Police Department, the Huntsville Police Department, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed details regarding the cause of death or the motive in the case.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to pursuing justice for victims and their families. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains ongoing.