Man Arrested In Slaying Of ‘Kind’ And ‘Giving’ Massachusetts Cosmetologist

A Massachusetts man has been jailed in the killing of his ex-girlfriend, whom he allegedly shot in the head following a domestic dispute at the woman’s home earlier this month.

Tyler Gibbs, 23, was arrested after the body of Kianna Paige Barrows was found in her Falmouth, Massachusetts residence last week. He's been charged with murder, assault to murder with a firearm, and possession of a firearm without a proper license, according to MassLive.com.

On May 10, authorities were dispatched to 49 Old Main Road after Barrows’ aunt called 911 to report that her niece had been shot, according to WCVB-TV. Upon arrival, authorities found Gibbs, who they say was armed outside the property. Barrows was discovered dead inside with an apparent gunshot wound to her head, prosecutors said, according to court filings. 

"They entered the house and went upstairs while a gunman was still outside the house holding the gun," Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe said, the Boston television station reported.

Officials say Gibbs later engaged in a tense standoff with a SWAT team, which lasted approximately three hours before the 23-year-old ultimately surrendered himself. No one was injured in the incident.

Prosecutors, who say the pair previously dated, described the young woman’s murder as domestic-related. 

“During that domestic situation, Miss Barrows was shot by this defendant times, ultimately pronounced dead,” Assistant District Attorney Mike Giardino also stated, per WCVB-TV.

Loved ones described Barrows as a “kind” and “giving” young woman, as well as a boisterous storyteller, who had a “fierce love” for her family and friends, according to her online obituary.

“Our hearts are breaking that we will never know what her gifts and talents would have blessed this world with, and this world is lesser for it,” her obituary stated. 

Barrows, a cosmetologist, graduated from the Upper Cape Regional School, family said. She also worked at her grandfather’s upholstery store. Her funeral was scheduled for Wednesday.

“To our community of love here in Falmouth and beyond, we cannot express how deeply you have touched our hearts with all of your support through calls, texts, offerings and love, we will never forget what you have done for us,” the obituary added. “We are truly humbled and blessed.”

Gibbs is currently in custody being held without bail, pending trial, according to Massachusetts Department of Correction jail records obtained by Oxygen.com. It’s unclear if he’s retained legal counsel to comment on his behalf. He’s scheduled back in court on June 22.