GEORGETOWN, Texas — A former Williamson County judge and his wife are dead after an apparent shooting outside Georgetown late Monday night, Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason confirmed to KVUE.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) said at approximately 11:45 p.m. Monday, a 911 caller reported a shooting in the 300 block of County Road 317, outside the Georgetown city limits.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found two bodies with gunshot wounds inside a home and a suspect was taken into custody.
Just before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sheriff Gleason confirmed to KVUE the victims have been identified as former Williamson County district judge Alfred "Burt" Carnes, 74, and his wife, Susan H. Carnes, 74. Gleason said the couple’s son, 45-year-old Seth B. Carnes, is in custody over their deaths. He has been charged with capital murder and is being held without bond.
According to the WCSO, Seth Carnes encountered deputies when he was leaving the home and confessed he had just shot and killed his mother and father. All three family members lived at the home, deputies said.
According to an affidavit obtained by KVUE, Seth Carnes told investigators he didn't know what happened, but he knew he had shot his mother and father and that he used a Remington 870 shotgun that was next to his nightstand. He also allegedly said he believed his mother was trying to put a sleeping pill in his mouth that he did not want to take.
Seth Carnes also allegedly told investigators the reason he shot his father was because, "I've just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job."
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"This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred 'Burt' Carnes' esteemed position as a retired district judge," said Commander John Foster with the sheriff's office investigations division. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event."
The WCSO released the following statement following the deadly shooting:
"The Williamson County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the Carnes family following the tragic event that occurred yesterday. The loss of Alfred 'Burt' Carnes, a retired district judge, and the loss of his wife, Susan, has left our community in a state of shock and sorrow.
“'Mr. Carnes was a respected and admired figure in our community, known for his fair and compassionate approach to justice. His dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of those around him was truly remarkable. His dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to fairness will be remembered for generations to come,'” said Sheriff Mike Gleason.
"During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Carnes family, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Carnes' friends and colleagues. It is with deepest regret that we extend our sincere condolences.
"In deepest sympathy,
"Williamson County Sheriff's Office"