On January 8, 2024, in Georgetown, Texas, 74-year-old Susan H. Carnes and her husband retired District Judge Alfred Burt Carnes were found fatally shot in their home after a 911 call about a shooting on County Road 317. Deputies arrived around 11:45 p.m. and encountered their 45-year-old son Seth B. Susan Carnes was located in an upstairs bedroom of the converted garage and Alfred Carnes in the living room, both with fatal gunshot wounds.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation points to a family disagreement that turned violent. An arrest affidavit reportedly states Seth believed his mother was trying to give him a sleeping pill and resisted; when asked about his actions, he allegedly said there was no other reason for shooting his mother and, about his father, said he had been looking for something and decided to finish the job. Seth Carnes was arrested and charged with capital murder and is being held without bond.

This killing has deeply affected the Georgetown community, particularly given Judge Carnes’ long service on the bench. If anyone knew the family or has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.