Today (Jan 7), Ian MCCLURG (22) entered a plea to Accessory After the Fact (To Capital Felony) (F1); and Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3); for his role in the November 27, 2018, murder of Joshua Barnes (24). Co-Defendant Jake BILOTTA (23) was indicted by a Seminole Grand Jury for First Degree Murder in December of 2018, and is still awaiting trial.

 

BILOTTA and MCCLURG planned to lure former roommate Barnes to a residence at 1917 South Boulevard (unincorporated Maitland) to seek revenge for the theft of a PlayStation gaming device earlier that week. Upon entering the house, Barnes was attacked by BILOTTA, but MCCLURG abandoned the plan and did not participate. BILOTTA alone fought with and stabbed Barnes to death. The defendants were arrested after a roommate walked in on BILOTTA and MCCLURG attempting to place Barnes body into plastic bags and called 911.

 

Plea negotiations began after attorneys for MCCLURG indicated his willingness to truthfully testify against BILOTTA. Prosecutors met with Barnes family members and our law enforcement partners to obtain their input prior to reaching a resolution in this case. Prosecutors dropped the charge of Criminal Conspiracy to Capital Felony as part of the agreement.

 

After accepting the plea, Judge Donna McIntosh adjudicated MCCLURE guilty and sentenced him for Accessory After the Fact, to 10 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 10 years of supervised probation, and to testify truthfully in any proceeding involving co-defendant BILOTTA. MCCLURG was then sentenced to 5 years DOC (Concurrent) for Tampering with Physical Evidence.

 

No trial date has been set for BILOTTA, however the case is set for docket review on February 5, 2020, at 8:30 am before Judge McIntosh.