Sheriff's office announces 2nd arrest in fatal shooting of art teacher

Andre Leonard Barnes was employed by St. Lucie Public Schools as an art teacher June 2026.jpeg

Lilianna Jaime

Andre Leonard Barnes, 66, was employed by St. Lucie Public Schools as an art teacher, the district said.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said a second person has been arrested in the fatal shooting of Fort Pierce art teacher Andre Leonard Barnes, 66.

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St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office announces 2nd arrest in fatal shooting

Dale A. Mincey, 41, Barnes' nephew, was formally charged with first-degree murder Saturday in connection with Barnes' death, the sheriff's office said. Mincey remains in custody at the St. Lucie County Jail and is being held without bond.

The fatal shooting happened July 7 at a residence on the 2700 block of Essex Drive. Deputies responded to the home at around 3:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a person with a gunshot wound. When deputies arrived, they learned a man had shot another man with a rifle. Barnes was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

A woman, identified as Karen Moye, was also at the home when the shooting occurred, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said. She heard a loud bang while she was in the bathroom and came out to find Mincey and called police, an arrest affidavit said.

Moye is also facing charges in this fatal shooting, which deputies said was premeditated.

"During the course of this investigation, detectives also uncovered information indicating that Karen Moye, the victim's sister and mother of our suspect, knowingly provided false information to investigators and withheld pertinent information related to this homicide investigation," Sheriff Richard Del Toro said Tuesday during a press conference. "As a result, she has been charged with false report to law enforcement and the commission of a capital felony."

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St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office announces 2nd arrest

During questioning, Mincey told detectives he could not recall what happened the day of the shooting and that he didn't have any issues with Barnes and did not know how Barnes died, an arrest affidavit said. However, he admitted to owning two firearms.

Moye, who lived in the home with Mincey and Barnes, told detectives immediately after the shooting that the pair did not have a good relationship and that Mincey told her he was expressing fear in the days leading up to the shooting, the arrest affidavit said. Moye told detectives Mincey said Barnes was trying to kill him and Mincey did not want to be left alone at the house.

In a follow-up interview with Moye on Monday, she gave a detective conflicting accounts of what happened on the day of the shooting, according to an arrest affidavit. She told detectives she was in fear of Barnes and that something might happen between Mincey and Barnes. When asked why she didn't notify police, she said she thought both of them would get in trouble. She said she was also sorry for not providing complete information initially.

"Providing false information intentionally and withholding information during a homicide investigation is a serious, criminal offense," Del Toro said. "It obviously delays justice. It diverts our investigative resources, and it can impact the family's ability to receive answers."

Barnes worked as an art teacher for the St. Lucie County School District since 2017, serving at West Gate K-8 and Samuel S. Gaines Academy. The district confirmed his passing and extended condolences to his loved ones.

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Art teacher fatally shot in St. Lucie County; suspect arrested

Barnes leaves behind three adult children. His family released a statement about his death:

"We are sad to report the loss of our Dad to a senseless act of violence. As this is still an active investigation a deeply painful circumstance that impacts so many people, we ask people to refrain from speculation or public commentary online discussing any other details," the family said.

Former student Caila Coleman, who said Barnes was her 7th-grade teacher in Tallahassee, remembered him as more than just an educator.

"Mr. Barnes was really a pillar of the community to us. I didn't grow up with a dad; some of my friends didn't either. We really looked at him as a father figure," Coleman said.

Coleman said Barnes made a lasting impression that endured well beyond the classroom.

Deputies said the fatal shooting remains an active investigation and is encouraging anyone with information that has yet to be shared with investigators to contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, or to remain anonymous contact the Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.