Amherst, Virginia – A man from Amherst pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Friday for the brutal beating death of an elderly woman, which a prosecutor described as a horrific attack driven by sexual gratification.
Kenneth Wayne Barbour, 52, was originally indicted on aggravated murder in connection with the rape and murder of 73-year-old Phyliss L. Auman, who was discovered dead in her home on Boxwood Farm Road. Barbour pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the Amherst Circuit Court.
According to Amherst County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Duffey Valentine, Auman, who weighed around 90 pounds, was viciously beaten to death. Barbour initially claimed, “I didn’t mean to do it,” before ultimately entering a guilty plea with the guidance of his attorney.
Valentine revealed that Auman was the target of Barbour’s sexual desires and dismissed affections, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. The prosecutor detailed a sequence of events leading up to Auman’s death, emphasizing Barbour’s jealousy and aggressive behavior on the day of the incident.
The crime scene was described as “ghastly”, with Auman’s body found on a couch by responding deputies. Evidence presented in court included testimony from Investigator Carla Tomlin, who highlighted the extent of Auman’s injuries and the presence of Barbour’s DNA at the scene.
Tomlin’s testimony also suggested that the murder weapon, a heavy hand mixer, was linked to Barbour through DNA evidence. Additional details revealed Barbour’s conflicted emotions following the incident, as captured on body camera footage of his arrest.
As the case progresses, it is evident that Barbour’s actions have left a lasting impact on both Auman’s family and the community. The upcoming sentencing hearing will provide an opportunity for Barbour to share his perspective on the tragic events of that fateful night.