Andrea Nicole Yarbrough, a 34-year-old resident of St. Augustine, Florida, died on June 13, 2024, in a tragic incident that has been classified as a murder-suicide. She was found dead inside her home in the gated Entrada community, along with her husband, St. Johns County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Shawn Michael Yarbrough.
The cause of Andrea Yarbrough's death was determined to be a gunshot wound, with the manner of death ruled as homicide by the Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Wendolyn Sneed.
Her husband, Shawn Yarbrough, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The couple was discovered dead at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Andrea Yarbrough was born on January 2, 1990, in St. Charles, Missouri, and had been working as a financial manager at Graybar in Jacksonville since September 2019. Shawn Yarbrough, born on September 27, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, had been employed by St. Johns County in the Fire Rescue Department since March 29, 2004, and had been promoted to Lieutenant.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a "tragic isolated incident." The couple had purchased their home on Jarama Circle on August 12, 2022, and were married on December 11, 2022, in St. Augustine.
Andrea's family expressed their deep sorrow and grief, describing her as "very loved" and stating that she "will be forever missed by family, friends and anyone else that has crossed paths with her." A GoFundMe was set up to support Andrea's daughter, Lily. The St. Johns County Fire Rescue Chief, Sean McGee, also issued a statement, calling the events "shocking and tragic" and announcing that grief counselors would be available for employees and families of employees.
The incident has had a profound impact on the community, with many emphasizing the importance of seeking help in domestic violence situations and mental health crises. Resources such as the Hubbard House 24-hour hotline and the suicide prevention lifeline were highlighted for those in need.
