Commonwealth v. Kristin Lee Barber; Woman Sentenced to 48 Years for Killing Man in Car with Child Inside

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Kristin Lee Barber, age 37, formerly of the 1400 block of Munson Court in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was sentenced on charges of Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm, and Child Cruelty/Neglect. Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis sentenced Barber to 48 years in prison with 28 years suspended, leaving 20 years to serve. 

Barber pled guilty on April 1, 2026.   Had this matter gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proven that the victim, Eldon Valery, and defendant, Kristin Barber, were in a romantic relationship and residing together. On October 7, 2023, they drove down Lynnhaven Parkway in the city of Virginia Beach with Valery driving. Barber was in the front passenger seat, and a minor child was in the backseat. Barber and Valery had been arguing throughout the day. During the car ride, Valery received a phone call and Barber went to answer it. She discovered her firearm underneath the phone, which made her angry because Valery was not supposed to be in possession of her gun. Barber picked up the gun and fired one shot, striking Valery in the side of the head. This caused him to lose control of the car. Barber and the child were able get to the brake pedal and bring the car to rest in the middle of Lynnhaven Parkway, avoiding a collision. Barber and the child were not injured. Rescue personnel arrived and transported Valery to the hospital, where he died on October 30, 2023. 

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Andrew Rice and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Amanda Thibault prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.