Financial support being sought by family
(Seguin) — Friends and family are reaching out to the Seguin and TLU communities as they navigate through a tough and traumatic event involving former TLU employee and alum Jann Barber.
On January 19, 75-year-old Jann was severely beaten by her adult son in their San Antonio apartment. Her 85-year-old husband Jerry, also a retired TLU employee, did not survive his attack.
According to San Antonio Police reports a welfare check on the couple in their northwest-side apartment led to the gruesome discovery of Jerry’s body and Jann, who managed to lock herself in a room following the attack.
Upon checking the rest of the apartment, police found the couple’s 45-year-old son James Barber playing video games. They say James, who is believed to have been a TLU graduate, had attacked his parents with a ceramic bowl the night before. They say James had reportedly moved back with his parents following a divorce.
A Go Fund Me account has recently been established for Jann, who continues to heal from 45 rib fractures and head trauma. Organizers say money is needed for continued medical care and rehabilitation. Additional help is necessary for “remediation of the apartment, ongoing rent and utilities” since the couple had just moved in before the attack.
Supporters are also having to raise money for airfare costs to send Jann back to her native home state of Alaska, where there are more folks to help take care of her. Expenses are also required for legal matters and for her husband’s funeral expenses.
While at TLU, Jerry worked in the facilities department while Jann was an administrative assistant. Jann continued to work while earning a degree in 2008. Both later retired in 2012.
Those wishing to donate to the family are asked to visit GoFundMe.com.