JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two of the three victims killed in a triple stabbing on Jacksonville’s Westside were laid to rest Saturday as family members said they are still grappling with grief nearly a month after the killings.
A funeral service for Savannah Barber and Edwin Barber was held at Franklin Street Baptist Church, where loved ones gathered wearing shirts bearing photos of the three victims — Savannah and Edwin Barber and Shad Cole — with the message: “Forever in our hearts. Three lives taken too soon.”
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Savannah Barber’s mother, Amy Barber, said the service brought fresh pain as the family mourns.
“It’s been hard… it feels like it’s been going in circles,” she said. “Now today’s like I’m doing it all over again. I’m just ready for it to be over.”
The triple stabbing happened May 28 in the Normandy Estates area of West Jacksonville. Savannah Barber, 27, Edwin Barber and Cole, 37, were all killed. Edwin was Savannah’s stepfather and Cole was her fiancé, family said.
Austin Fisher, 30, pleaded guilty earlier this week and was sentenced to four life terms.
Amy Barber said the guilty plea spared her family from a trial but did not ease the loss.
“I’m just glad I really didn’t want to sit through the trial and go through everything,” she said. “I’m just glad that he’s going to be put away.”
But, she added, “Ain’t nothing’s going to bring none of them back.”
Amy Barber said support from friends, family, and the broader community has helped her endure the past month.
“I’m just glad everybody came together — that’s what they would have wanted,” she said. “It’s been a big help … everybody that stepped up and helped and volunteered.”
As mourners left the church, Amy Barber thanked those who attended and asked for continued prayers as the family tries to move forward.
“I just want to say thanks to everybody, and I love everybody,” she said. “And I’m glad they could come out and be with us.”