Retired Texas Judge and Wife Found Dead, Son Arrested for Capital Murder
Jan 12, 12:00 PM
A tragic incident unfolded in a Texas home as a retired judge and his wife were found dead from shotgun blasts, leading to the arrest of their adult son, who has been charged with capital murder. The motive behind this shocking act is rooted in a refusal to take a sleeping aid.
The victims have been identified as former Williamson County Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes and his wife, Susan Carnes, both 74 years old. Their son, Seth Carnes, 45, is now in custody, facing serious charges related to their deaths.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by Fox 7 Austin, Seth Carnes admitted to the shooting, stating that he was aware he had used a Remington 870 shotgun kept on the nightstand in his parents' converted garage, where he lived. The alleged motive behind this heinous act was Seth's refusal to take a sleeping pill, which led to a confrontation with his mother, Susan Carnes.
Reportedly, Seth Carnes believed that his mother was attempting to administer the sleeping pill forcibly, a situation he vehemently opposed. The affidavit quoted him as saying that there was no other reason for him to shoot his mother except for this dispute. When questioned about why he also shot his father, Seth allegedly responded, "I've just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job."
The tragic incident came to light shortly before midnight when Seth Carnes' daughter called 911, reporting that her grandfather had been shot. Deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office swiftly arrived at the Carnes family's residence outside Georgetown, Texas. Seth Carnes voluntarily surrendered, walking out of the house while holding a coffee mug.
Inside the residence, officers discovered Alfred Carnes' lifeless body in the living room, alongside a shotgun and a spent shell in the kitchen area. Susan Carnes' body was found in her son's bedroom.
The preliminary investigation points to a disagreement within the family that escalated into violence, ultimately resulting in the tragic deaths of Alfred and Susan Carnes. The sheriff's office characterized the incident as a case of family violence leading to death.
Alfred Carnes, a retired judge, came from a family with a strong law enforcement background, including a Texas Ranger and a Border Patrol agent. He served 24 years on the bench and retired from the 368th District Court in 2013.
Susan Carnes, a retired elementary school teacher, was described as a "pillar of the community" by a family friend. The devastating incident has had a profound impact on the community, especially considering Alfred 'Burt' Carnes' esteemed position as a retired District Judge.
Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office expressed sympathy for the affected friends and family, stating, "This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event."
Seth Carnes is currently held in the Williamson County Jail without bond. In Texas, capital murder is a serious charge that carries the potential penalties of life in prison or the death penalty. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of two individuals who were deeply ingrained in the fabric of their community.
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The victims have been identified as former Williamson County Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes and his wife, Susan Carnes, both 74 years old. Their son, Seth Carnes, 45, is now in custody, facing serious charges related to their deaths.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by Fox 7 Austin, Seth Carnes admitted to the shooting, stating that he was aware he had used a Remington 870 shotgun kept on the nightstand in his parents' converted garage, where he lived. The alleged motive behind this heinous act was Seth's refusal to take a sleeping pill, which led to a confrontation with his mother, Susan Carnes.
Reportedly, Seth Carnes believed that his mother was attempting to administer the sleeping pill forcibly, a situation he vehemently opposed. The affidavit quoted him as saying that there was no other reason for him to shoot his mother except for this dispute. When questioned about why he also shot his father, Seth allegedly responded, "I've just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job."
The tragic incident came to light shortly before midnight when Seth Carnes' daughter called 911, reporting that her grandfather had been shot. Deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office swiftly arrived at the Carnes family's residence outside Georgetown, Texas. Seth Carnes voluntarily surrendered, walking out of the house while holding a coffee mug.
Inside the residence, officers discovered Alfred Carnes' lifeless body in the living room, alongside a shotgun and a spent shell in the kitchen area. Susan Carnes' body was found in her son's bedroom.
The preliminary investigation points to a disagreement within the family that escalated into violence, ultimately resulting in the tragic deaths of Alfred and Susan Carnes. The sheriff's office characterized the incident as a case of family violence leading to death.
Alfred Carnes, a retired judge, came from a family with a strong law enforcement background, including a Texas Ranger and a Border Patrol agent. He served 24 years on the bench and retired from the 368th District Court in 2013.
Susan Carnes, a retired elementary school teacher, was described as a "pillar of the community" by a family friend. The devastating incident has had a profound impact on the community, especially considering Alfred 'Burt' Carnes' esteemed position as a retired District Judge.
Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office expressed sympathy for the affected friends and family, stating, "This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event."
Seth Carnes is currently held in the Williamson County Jail without bond. In Texas, capital murder is a serious charge that carries the potential penalties of life in prison or the death penalty. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of two individuals who were deeply ingrained in the fabric of their community.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com