The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in Texas investigates the murders of retired judge Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes and his wife Susan at their home outside Georgetown on Jan. 8, 2024. They were allegedly murdered by their son Seth Carnes (Inset, via Williamson County Jail) following a fight over a sleeping pill. (Screenshot from KVUE/YouTube)
A retired judge who served more than 20 years on the bench and his wife were shot to death by their son at their home outside Austin, Texas, according to authorities.
Seth B. Carnes is facing a capital murder charge in the deaths of Alfred “Burt” Carnes and Susan H. Carnes, both 74.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a shooting around 11:45 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of County Road 317 in the Georgetown area. When deputies arrived, they saw Seth Carnes, 45, leaving the home, a press release said. He allegedly told deputies he had just shot his parents. When deputies went inside, they found Alfred and Susan Carnes dead from gunshot wounds.
Cops placed Seth Carnes under arrest and took him to the Williamson County Jail where he remains without bond. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Investigators believe a disagreement escalated into “family violence and death.”
The Austin American-Statesman obtained a copy of the probable cause arrest affidavit which reportedly said Seth Carnes told deputies he killed his mother because he thought she was trying to put a sleeping pill in his mouth which he did not want to take. When asked why he shot his father, he reportedly said: “I was just looking for something and figured I would finish it off.”
He allegedly used a Remington 870 shotgun that he kept by his bed. Seth Carnes lived in a garage apartment at his parents’ home, which is where cops found his mother, the affidavit reportedly said. Cops found Burt Carnes about 5 feet from a recliner in the living room, the affidavit said.
“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,” Cmdr. John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said in a statement.
Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason said the murders have left the community in “a state of shock and sorrow.”
“Mr. Carnes was a respected and admired figure in our community, known for his fair and compassionate approach to justice. 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,” Gleason said.
According to the American-Statesman, Burt Carnes retired in 2013 after serving 24 years in the 368th District Court in Williamson County. Susan Carnes worked as an elementary school teacher for nearly 30 years.
Burt Carnes was known to be strict in the courtroom including enforcing a dress code. He described his judicial philosophy to the American-Statesman when he retired.
“I have a belief that the judge has to control the courtroom, to make it a fair trial,” he said. “If the judge isn’t in control, one of the lawyers is going to be in control and then it isn’t a level playing field. I believe everybody should show respect and follow the rules. That includes dressing appropriately.”
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