GEORGETOWN, Texas – A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with capital murder in the shooting deaths of his parents, retired District Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes and his wife Susan, both 74.
Seth B. Carnes was taken into custody late Monday evening after authorities responded to a shooting near the home of the victims. According to a press release from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Seth Carnes was exiting the residence when deputies arrived and confessed to shooting and killing his parents.
Following the arrest, deputies found the bodies of Alfred and Susan with fatal gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the murders stemmed from a disagreement between Seth and his parents. Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division expressed sympathy for the affected community, acknowledging the shockwaves caused by the tragic event.
Sheriff Mike Gleason also reflected on Alfred “Burt” Carnes’ legacy, describing him as a respected and admired figure known for his fair and compassionate approach to justice. Alfred retired in 2013 after serving as a judge for 23 years, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of those around him.
Alfred Carnes’ dedication to justice will be remembered for generations to come, making the loss of both him and his wife particularly poignant for the community. Seth Carnes is currently being held without bond as the investigation into this deeply distressing incident continues.