On July 5, 2019, a tragic incident unfolded in Gravette, Arkansas, resulting in the deaths of four family members. Casey Barnes, a 20-year-old from Gravette, was among the victims. The other deceased were his 22-year-old brother, Levi Barnes; their mother, Inga Barnes; and their father, Justin Barnes, who was identified as the gunman in this murder-suicide.
The events began when authorities received a call around 2:40 p.m.
on July 5, 2019, reporting a possible hostage situation at a residence located at the intersection of Crossover and Gordon Hollow roads in Gravette. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the bodies of the four family members, all victims of gunshot wounds. Justin Barnes was found deceased at the scene, and it is believed he took his own life.
Investigators determined that Justin Barnes had placed the 911 call reporting the shootings. The family was known to be close-knit, and the community was deeply affected by the tragedy. One family member survived the incident, as she was not present at the scene during the shootings. A. 22 caliber handgun was found at the property, though it was unclear who owned the weapon.
The motive behind the killings was not immediately clear, and authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident. The community of Gravette, a small town in Benton County, was left in shock, as such tragedies are rare in the area. Counselors were made available to assist residents coping with the loss.
Casey Barnes was remembered as a friendly and hardworking individual who enjoyed activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. His passing, along with that of his family members, left a lasting impact on the Gravette community.
