In the quiet community of Waycross, Georgia, the life of 73-year-old Virginia Carter Thomas came to a tragic and unexpected end in July of 2022. On the morning of July 11th, a relative made a harrowing discovery, finding Virginia and her long-term partner, 75-year-old Charles Barnett, deceased in their home on South Lakeview Drive. The couple, who neighbors described as deeply in love and kind-hearted, had been shot to death while they lay in their bed.
The initial shock of the double homicide rippled through the neighborhood, with many expressing disbelief that such a violent act could befall the well-regarded couple. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist the Ware County Sheriff's Office with the death investigation. As detectives began to piece together the events, their focus soon turned unexpectedly close to home, leading to a swift and startling resolution in the case.
Within days, the investigation led to the arrest of Virginia's own son, 55-year-old Bernard Rittenhouse, and his wife, 53-year-old Janet Rittenhouse. The couple, who had reportedly lived with Virginia and Charles on and off, were taken into custody. Bernard Rittenhouse was charged with two counts of felony murder and one count of burglary. His wife, Janet, faced charges of two counts of felony murder and one count of party to the crime of burglary.
The narrative that emerged was a chilling one. Bernard Rittenhouse had allegedly been the one to report the deaths, claiming to have found his mother and her partner after going to check on them. He reportedly told a neighbor he had discovered the scene and called 911. However, the investigation uncovered evidence that led authorities to believe he and his wife were responsible for the brutal slayings. Both were subsequently booked into the Ware County Jail.
