GUILTY FL - Barry Schmalbach, 56, last seen leaving Cruisers Bar, Cape Coral, 19 July 2023 *reward*

[imstilla.grandma]

They highlighted suspicious purchases Davis made within days of Schmalbach’s disappearance in July 2023, including a pickaxe, shovel, fireproof safe, and heavy-duty locks. Prosecutors also pointed to what neighbors say they heard the night Schmalbach was last seen.

The defense countered by raising doubts about Schmalbach’s personal life, citing health concerns and claims that he was using multiple dating apps while in a relationship with Davis.

The trial’s first witness was Miguel Blanco, Schmalbach’s best friend. Jurors reviewed photos, surveillance footage on CDs, and listened to the last voicemail Schmalbach left for Blanco before vanishing

Trial begins for Cape Coral man accused of killing missing boyfriend

The trail for a man accused of killing his boyfriend whose body remains missing has begun.

www.winknews.com

Despite extensive searches across Lee, Hendry and Pasco counties, Schmalbach's body hasn't been found. Authorities say a conviction is possible without it.

A $16,000 reward remains active, with most of the funds donated by friends and family. His loved ones continue to hang onto hope, with flyers and missing posters still visible around the area

https://www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2025/06/23/chrstopher-davis-murder-trial-cape-coral-boyfriend-barry-schmalbach/84321906007/

 

[imstilla.grandma]

 

[imstilla.grandma]

 

[Mike60532]

Day 2 of live trial....

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Prosecutor Jennifer Justham, displays a pick axe for members of the jury as she presented some of the evidence in the trial of Christopher Davis Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Davis is on trial for the suspected murder of his boyfriend, Barry Schmalbach, who disappeared in July 2023. Although Schmalbach's body hasn't been found, prosecutors are pursuing a second-degree murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence

Trial continues for Cape man accused in the disappearance and suspected murder of boyfriend

Christopher Davis, on trial for the suspected murder of his boyfriend, Barry Schmalbach, who disappeared in July 2023, was in court Tuesday, June 24, 2025 for day 2 of witnesses testimony.

www.news-press.com

 

[CHEL]

Does anyone know what happened to the feed?

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Bearman said their investigation led them to an Airbnb in Clewiston, where Davis appeared to rent the property under the name of Tyler Gamble, Davis' brother.

The Airbnb owner, Roxanna Hernandez, testified that Davis made a reservation under Gamble's name for July 21, 2023. She said she had "more conversations than usually are had with renters," which she compared to a "play-by-play," and coined it as unusual.

State prosecutors also reviewed photographs of the license plate readers that showed Schmalbach’s Jeep return from Clewiston to Cape Coral after he disappeared.

The Airbnb owner, Roxanna Hernandez, testified that Davis made a reservation under Gamble's name for July 21, 2023. She said she had "more conversations than usually are had with renters," which she compared to a "play-by-play," and coined it as unusual.

When Davis left the Airbnb, Hernandez said, the place was full of sand and what appeared to be leaves in the shower, on the bathtub and on the floor

The Jeep was was covered in dirt upon returning to Lee County, which Schmalbach's close friends said did not fit Schmalbach's fastidious personality.

Bearman said Davis made the missing persons report after he was seen attempting to discard the pickaxe.

https://www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2025/06/25/barry-schmalbach-disappearance-trial-continues-for-christopher-davis/84342284007/

 

[geevee]

Does anyone know what happened to the feed?

I can't find anything on it.

 

[Mike60532]

Law & Crime channel on Youtube has a recorded part 1 from the morning I guess. There is a part 2 live but it's just showing the Florida seal. Don't know what's up.

 

[Mike60532]

I can't find anything on it.

Law & Crime channel on Youtube has a recorded part 1 from the morning I guess. There is a part 2 live but it's just showing the Florida seal. Don't know what's up.

 

[geevee]

Law & Crime channel on Youtube has a recorded part 1 from the morning I guess. There is a part 2 live but it's just showing the Florida seal. Don't know what's up.

Thanks!!

 

[Mike60532]

It's back up!

 

[Mike60532]

Day 4 live feed...

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The killer sat frozen as his verdict was announced.

"I sat with the family throughout the investigation, and then obviously through the trial," Sizemore said. "Today, we had a conversation where I said, 'When you don't have Barry, when we don't have him to do a proper burial, you're going to have to find solace in something... so getting a guilty verdict, a life sentence."

Live-in boyfriend sentenced to life in prison in Barry Schmalbach murder

Lee Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced Christopher Davis to life in prison for the murder of Barry Schmalbach.

www.news-press.com

 

[vls12345]

I'm so glad he was found guilty & will serve life in prison. I do hope that Barry is found someday.

@Mike60532, sending you condolences & peace as you mourn your friend. Also sending my condolences & wishes for peace to Barry's family & other loved ones.

 

[PayrollNerd]

UPDATE: Boyfriend guilty of killing missing Cape Coral man sentenced to life

Christopher Davis has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing Barry Schmalbach, who has been missing since July 19, 2023.

www.fox4now.com

 

[Mike60532]

I'm so glad he was found guilty & will serve life in prison. I do hope that Barry is found someday.

@Mike60532, sending you condolences & peace as you mourn your friend. Also sending my condolences & wishes for peace to Barry's family & other loved ones.

Thank you @vls12345. I'm thinking of maybe contacting Sizemore and come up with a plan to befriend the murderer (By email or text) and seeing if I can't get a location on Barry's body. It's worth a try. I would like to have him found so his friends and family up here in Chicago have a place to visit him....you know?

 

[vls12345]

Thank you @vls12345. I'm thinking of maybe contacting Sizemore and come up with a plan to befriend the murderer (By email or text) and seeing if I can't get a location on Barry's body. It's worth a try. I would like to have him found so his friends and family up here in Chicago have a place to visit him....you know?

I understand the feeling of wanting that information and finding a way to help and bring comfort. Murderers often lie and manipulate others when they can, imo. Be sure to protect your own heart and emotions too if you ultimately decide to undertake a quest like that -- I can't imagine how hard that would be. And if you don't undertake the quest, that is also 100% understandable and ok.

 

[PayrollNerd]

I hope someday they find Barry and bring him home to his family. Will alert a mod to update the title to Guilty.