GEORGETOWN, TX – A Texas man has pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of his parents, a retired judge and an experienced schoolteacher, in their suburban Austin home, according to court records.
Seth B. Carnes, 47, has admitted to the capital murders of his parents, Alfred “Burt” Carnes and Susan H. Carnes, both 74 years old. This admission means he will face the rest of his life behind bars, avoiding a trial that was set to begin next month.
District Attorney Shawn Dick expressed that this outcome brings a form of justice and closure to those affected by this tragedy. “This plea ensures accountability in a case that has saddened the community deeply,” Dick stated. The elder Carnes couple was deeply respected and admired in their community, making their deaths by gunfire especially devastating, he noted.
The tragedy transpired late on January 8, 2024, where a 911 call reported a shooting at a residence on County Road 317. Law enforcement arrived to find Seth Carnes leaving the scene, reportedly confessing on the spot to shooting his parents. Inside, deputies discovered the bodies of his parents, each killed by gunshot wounds.
Seth Carnes was swiftly detained by the authorities. Investigations indicate that the fatal encounter stemmed from a confrontation that turned violently fatal.
Court documents reveal the chilling motivations behind the killings. Seth Carnes allegedly felt compelled to kill his mother, Susan Carnes, believing she was attempting to drug him with a sleeping pill. Regarding his father’s murder, his reasoning was disturbingly casual, adding he “figured he would finish it off.” The weapon, a Remington 870 shotgun, was reportedly stored next to his bed.
The community, still reeling from the loss, remembers Alfred “Burt” Carnes for his years on the bench as a District Judge, where he served from 1989 until his retirement in 2013. Known for his firm but fair judicial demeanor, Judge Carnes held a philosophy focused on courtroom order and respect.
Susan Carnes was similarly revered, having dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching. Her legacy is underscored by her kindness, generosity, and well-regarded tenacity, as noted in her obituary.
The couple’s more than five-decade-long marriage and significant community impact have left a large void felt across their hometown. Local law enforcement officials, like Cmdr. John Foster has acknowledged the tragic loss and the overwhelming sorrow it has brought upon the neighborhood.
“They will be remembered for the lives they touched and the principles they upheld,” said Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason. He added that the community remains distraught over the loss of such influential figures.