On January 8, 2024, Alfred Burton "Burt" Carnes, a 74-year-old retired district judge, and his wife, Susan H. Carnes, also 74, were tragically shot and killed in their Georgetown, Texas home. Their son, 45-year-old Seth Bryan Carnes, was arrested at the scene and charged with capital murder in connection with their deaths.
The incident unfolded late that evening when the Williamson County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from Seth's 19-year-old daughter, reporting that her father
had shot her grandparents. Deputies arrived at the residence on County Road 317 to find Seth Carnes exiting the home. He immediately confessed to deputies that he had just shot and killed his parents. Inside the home, authorities discovered Alfred Carnes deceased on the living room floor and Susan Carnes in an upstairs bedroom, both with injuries consistent with shotgun wounds.
During questioning, Seth Carnes admitted to using a Remington 870 shotgun, which he kept near his nightstand, to commit the shootings. He mentioned that an argument had ensued after he refused to take a sleeping pill his mother was attempting to administer, leading to the tragic events. When asked why he shot his father, Seth reportedly stated, "I've just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job."
Following his arrest, Seth was charged with capital murder and held without bond. A tentative trial date was set for November 4, 2024, with jury selection beginning on November 1. His attorney entered a plea of not guilty, and as of May 2024, no plea deal had been offered by the prosecution. The case has deeply affected the Georgetown community, especially given Alfred "Burt" Carnes' esteemed position as a retired district judge.
