Retired judge and his wife are shot dead by adult son after he refused sleeping pill

May 2024 · 2 minute read

A tragic incident has occurred involving a retired judge and his wife, who were found dead in their home, the victims of gunshot wounds. Their adult son has been arrested in connection with the crime. Seth Carnes, 45, has been charged with capital murder for the deaths of his parents, former Williamson County Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes and Susan Carnes, both aged 74.

Reportedly, Seth Carnes admitted to the double murders of his parents, stating that he committed the act because he did not want to take a sleeping pill. He allegedly used a Remington 870 shotgun that he kept on the nightstand in his parents’ converted garage, where he resided.

The details of the tragic event indicate a disturbing sequence of events, with Seth Carnes allegedly expressing reluctance to take a sleeping pill offered by his mother, leading to a violent confrontation. He confessed to law enforcement that he shot his parents and was quoted as saying, “I’ve just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job.”

The sequence of events that followed the ordeal is equally harrowing. Seth Carnes’ daughter made a distressing call to 911, reporting that her father had shot her grandfather. Law enforcement quickly responded to the scene and apprehended Seth Carnes, who calmly admitted to the killings.

The aftermath of the incident revealed the gruesome reality of the crime scene, with Alfred Carnes found dead in the living room and Susan Carnes in her son’s bedroom. The injuries sustained by the victims were detailed in the affidavit, indicating the violent nature of the crime.

The tragic loss has deeply impacted the community, especially given Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ respected position as a retired District Judge. The news release from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to those affected, highlighting the profound impact of the heartbreaking event.

Seth Carnes is currently in custody at the Williamson County Jail without bond and faces the severe charge of capital murder, which in Texas is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the potential consequences that Seth Carnes now faces.

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