On January 8, 2024, in Georgetown, Texas, 74-year-old Susan H. Carnes and her husband, retired District Judge Alfred "Burt" Carnes, were tragically found deceased in their home. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call around 11:45 p.m. reporting a shooting at the couple's residence on County Road 317. Upon arrival, deputies encountered their son, 45-year-old Seth B. Carnes, exiting the home. He reportedly confessed on the scene to having shot his parents.
Inside the residence, authorities discovered Susan Carnes in an upstairs bedroom of the converted garage and Alfred Carnes in the living room, both with fatal gunshot wounds. The preliminary investigation suggests that a family disagreement escalated into violence. According to an arrest affidavit, Seth Carnes believed his mother was attempting to administer a sleeping pill to him, which he resisted. When questioned about his actions, he allegedly stated there was no other reason for shooting his mother and, regarding his father, mentioned, "I've just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job."
Seth Carnes, who resided in a converted garage apartment attached to his parents' home, was arrested and charged with capital murder. He is currently held without bond at the Williamson County Jail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or the death penalty. This incident has profoundly impacted the Georgetown community, especially given Judge Carnes' esteemed position and long tenure in the legal field. Community members and officials have expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragic event.
