GEORGETOWN, TX – A Texas man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his parents, both respected community members, bringing closure to a case that shocked a close-knit neighborhood in early 2024. Seth B. Carnes, 47, admitted in court on Monday to killing his father, retired Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes, and his mother, Susan H. Carnes, thus avoiding a trial that was set for the coming month.
The guilty plea means that Seth will spend his life imprisoned for the January slayings of the couple, both 74, at their residence outside Austin. District Attorney Shawn Dick emphasized that the plea holds Seth accountable, acknowledging the deep impact on the community left mourning the loss of the couple. He expressed hope for a semblance of peace for the grieving family as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.
The incident unfolded on the night of January 8 when the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a shooting at the family’s home in the Georgetown area. Deputies encountered Seth leaving the house and, according to reports, openly confessing to shooting his parents. Inside the home, authorities discovered the judge and his wife, both victims of gun violence.
Investigators deduced that a familial dispute escalated fatally. The arrest affidavit, as accessed by local media, revealed that Seth claimed he acted in self-defense when he killed his mother, alleging she attempted to sedate him. As for his father, Seth’s reasoning was reportedly vague, suggesting impulsivity fueled his actions.
The weapon of choice was a Remington 870 shotgun, which Seth kept in his garage apartment on the family’s property. The affidavit detailed the grim scene inside the home, with Susan found in the garage and Burt near a living room recliner.
The community grapples with the loss, particularly given Judge Carnes’s esteemed service as a District Judge for 24 years until his retirement in 2013. His fair judgment and steadfast courtroom presence were lauded, and his sudden, violent passing has left an indelible mark on the area.
Sheriff Mike Gleason voiced the community’s collective shock and sorrow, celebrating Judge Carnes for his dedication to justice and fairness. Susan Carnes was equally admired, having devoted nearly three decades to teaching in local elementary schools and known for her kindness and patience. The couple’s enduring partnership, spanning over 52 years, and their contributions to the community amplify the tragedy of their untimely deaths.
Their loss has galvanized the community, driven by shared memories and respect for the legacy Burt and Susan left behind. As the legal chapter closes with Seth’s plea, those who knew the Carnes family continue to reflect on their contributions and the void left in their absence.