The Case of Barry Schmalbach

Barry James Schmalbach, 56, disappeared from Cape Coral, Florida, on July 19, 2023, after an argument with his live-in boyfriend, Christopher Davis. Investigators built a murder case through surveillance footage, digital evidence, witness accounts and forensic evidence despite never recovering Schmalbach's body. Davis was convicted of second-degree murder in June 2025 and sentenced to life in prison.

Barry Schmalbach was 56 and lived in Cape Coral, Florida. He had been in a relationship with Christopher Gregory Davis, who had moved into Barry's home approximately four months before his disappearance. The relationship had deteriorated by July 2023. Barry had told friends that he wanted to end the relationship with Davis. On the evening of July 19, 2023, Barry and Davis went to Cruisers bar in Cape Coral. The two men argued while at the bar. Barry subsequently left the establishment, with Davis following him. A friend of Barry's later received a voicemail from him indicating that he wanted help getting away from Davis. Barry was never seen again.

There was no conventional murder scene and Barry's body has never been recovered. Investigators determined that Barry disappeared after returning from the bar with Davis. Evidence later showed Davis moving a large bag from their apartment and purchasing items including a shovel and pickaxe. Investigators also found evidence of extensive cleaning and other activity inside the apartment following Barry's disappearance. The absence of a body became one of the defining characteristics of the investigation and prosecution.

Barry was reported missing after his disappearance became increasingly concerning to his friends and family. Police initially investigated the disappearance as a missing-person case, but evidence increasingly pointed toward Davis. Investigators examined surveillance footage, cellphone data, financial records and activity at the couple's apartment. Davis was seen carrying a large bag down the stairs of the apartment after Barry disappeared. He was also recorded purchasing a safe similar to one later found at the apartment. Investigators discovered evidence that Davis had purchased a shovel and pickaxe and subsequently disposed of them. Davis also used Barry's financial information following his disappearance. Police found evidence of activity involving Barry's identification and financial accounts after the date he disappeared. Davis was eventually charged with second-degree murder in January 2024. The prosecution's case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence because investigators never recovered Barry's remains. At trial in June 2025, prosecutors presented evidence from approximately 40 witnesses, together with digital evidence, surveillance footage, forensic evidence and testimony concerning Davis's behaviour after Barry disappeared. The prosecution argued that Davis killed Barry after learning that Barry intended to end their relationship. Davis maintained that Barry had left voluntarily and denied killing him. The jury rejected that explanation.

On June 26, 2025, a Lee County jury found Christopher Davis guilty of second-degree murder, as well as tampering with physical evidence and multiple counts involving fraudulent use or possession of personal identification information belonging to a deceased individual. Davis was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. He also received consecutive five-year sentences for tampering with physical evidence and the identity-related convictions, resulting in an additional 45 years of imprisonment. Barry's body has never been found.

The case became particularly notable as a no-body murder prosecution, with prosecutors securing a murder conviction almost two years after Barry disappeared despite never recovering his remains.