In the early morning hours of February 12, 2024, a dispute in a high school parking lot in Idaho Falls, Idaho, escalated into a fatal encounter for 25-year-old Alexander Barber. The white male was shot and killed during an altercation involving a large group of people at Compass Academy. The incident, which was not school-related, resulted in multiple injuries and a homicide investigation that quickly led to arrests.
The conflict reportedly stemmed from an ongoing argument that led to a
planned meeting in the parking lot to settle the matter. The argument turned physical, and at least two individuals brandished handguns and fired into the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, Alexander Barber was fatally wounded and later pronounced dead at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and a third was injured after being run over by a vehicle fleeing the scene. A graphic Snapchat video of the incident circulated on social media and was shared with law enforcement, aiding their investigation.
Law enforcement officials identified all individuals involved and swiftly made arrests. Taylor Aughenbaugh, 18, and Gabriel Perkins, 19, were among those taken into custody. Perkins was ultimately charged with second-degree murder in connection with Barber's death, along with other felonies including aggravated battery and leaving the scene of an accident. He later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Aughenbaugh faced charges of aggravated battery. Two other men, Skylar Daniel Andra, 19, and Aaron David Murdoch, 20, were also charged in connection to the incident. The death of Alexander Barber, described by his family as a good kid who would help anyone in need, left the community in mourning.
