A retired judge and his wife were fatally shot inside their home near Georgetown, Texas, by their live-in adult son Monday night, police said.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office took Seth B. Carnes, 45, into custody on murder charges after authorities said the suspect emerged from the home and confessed to killing his mother, Susan H. Carnes, and father, former Williams County District Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes.
The sheriff’s office said the family had a disagreement before the killing of the couple, both 74.
“Mr. Carnes was a respected and admired figure in our community, known for his fair and compassionate approach to justice,” Sheriff Mike Gleason said about the slain judge. “His dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of those around him was truly remarkable. His dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to fairness will be remembered for generations to come.”
An arrest affidavit acquired by the Austin ABC affiliate KVUE revealed that Mr. Carnes grabbed a shotgun by his nightstand and opened fire on both his parents.
He told deputies he became agitated because he thought his mother was trying to make him take a sleeping pill, according to the affidavit. The suspect then said he killed his father because “I’ve just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job.”
Mr. Carnes is being held without bond.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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