McGriff Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Death of Sahara Barkley

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Tairrah McGriff, of Jacksonville, was found guilty by a jury of Manslaughter with a Firearm, and Carrying a Concealed Firearm. McGriff now faces a maximum of 30 years in Florida State Prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be set by the Honorable Meredith Charbula the week of Nov. 18, 2019.

On New Year’s Day 2018, Sahara Barkley, the victim, walked into a Riverside gas station to make a purchase and left her vehicle parked and running. While inside the store, an unknown male stole the car and Barkley gave chase on foot. She was unable to catch the car and returned to the store, where Barkley confronted a woman, McGriff. During the course of their interaction, McGriff pulled out a handgun and shot Barkley. The investigation led detectives to secure surveillance footage from the store that showed McGriff and the male together. The two parked their vehicle at a gas pump and walked toward the business together. While Barkley and McGriff are in the store, the male steals Barkley’s car. Surveillance from another business shows Barkley disengage after the initial confrontation and attempt to flee. McGriff then chases Barkley and shoots her. Barkley was transported to the hospital where she died from her injuries.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Coreylyn Crawford and Dan Skinner.