SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
WILLIAMSON COUNTY — Authorities say a former Williamson County district judge and his wife were allegedly murdered by their son.
Williamson County Emergency Communications received a 911 call at approximately 11:45 p.m. Jan. 8, reporting a shooting in the 300 block of County Road 317 outside the city limits of Georgetown, a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office press release said.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies encountered Seth B. Carnes, 45, exiting the residence upon their arrival. They added that Carnes confessed to the deputies that he had just shot and killed his mother and father.
The victims have been identified as Susan H. Carnes, 74, and Alfred “Burt” Carnes, 74, a retired former District Judge in Williamson County. All were identified as residents of the home.
The suspect was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, where he was charged with capital murder of multiple persons, the press release said. He is currently
being held without bond.
Upon entry into the home, the Sheriff’s Office said detectives discovered the bodies of Susan and Alfred Carnes, both having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The preliminary investigation suggests that the shootings resulted from a disagreement, escalating into family violence and death.
The criminal prosecution has been referred to the District Attorney’s Office.
“This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred “Burt” Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge,” Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event.”
The Sheriff’s Office said it will continue to work diligently alongside the District Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident.
