A man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his own parents in Texas, according to reports.
On Tuesday, 45-year-old Seth Carnes was charged with killing his mother and his retired judge father.
Former Williamson County Judge Burt Carnes and his wife Susan were found late Monday as police responded to reports of a shooting at the Carnes’ home around 11:45 p.m.
Seth Carnes, the victims’ son, was found exiting the home as police entered.
Carnes reportedly admitted to police that he shot his parents.
He was taken into custody early Tuesday morning.
The sheriff’s office said the couple was found dead inside the residence and that there were signs of a family disagreement that led to the shooting.
The office emphasized that there was no threat to public safety, but the investigation is ongoing.
Seth Carnes remains in jail without bond, charged with capital murder.
In a press release, Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said:
“This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event.”
Judge Carnes was the son of an FBI agent.
There was also a Texas Ranger, a Border Patrol Agent, and a Wilson County sheriff in the family.
Burt Carnes served 24 years on the bench before retiring in 2013.
Both Burt and Susan Carnes were 74 years old.
“Early on, I decided that I was going to be a judge, not a politician,” he said during an interview at his retirement.
“You’ve got to follow the law and within the bounds of the law, do what you think is right.”
“Judge Carnes was an exemplary judge — hardworking, fair, and a judge/lawyer who knew the law,” state Rep. John Carter said of Carnes at the time.
“Whenever I wanted to talk out an issue with anyone, Judge Carnes was my first choice because he was a smart lawyer and a smart judge.”
Seth Carnes’s motive for his alleged actions was not known when he was arrested.
The murders were a shock to the mid-size community of Georgetown, Texas.
Judge Carnes was a highly respected figure in the community.
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