Brandon Barnes, a 21-year-old man from South Carolina, was charged with the murder of his wife, 20-year-old Jessica Barnes, weeks after she went missing. Jessica was reported missing on September 10 by her mother, and her body was later found in a wooded area near Twin Lakes of Pickens County on September 20. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office determined that Jessica died from asphyxiation by strangulation. Brandon’s roommates, Kendall Mims and Victoria Tippett, were also charged with being accessories after the fact, obstruction of justice, and misprision of a felony.
In an interview with independent news outlet Fits News before he was named as a suspect, Brandon said that he last saw his wife on August 1, but did not report her missing because he believed she would eventually come back. Speaking at a press conference, Pendleton Police Chief Robert Crosby revealed that Jessica was last seen by her roommates on August 2. Concerned about her daughter’s disappearance, Jessica’s mother, Cecilia Varvara, reported her missing after not hearing from her on her birthday on August 26. Varvara also received text messages from Jessica’s phone that claimed she had moved to Michigan with friends, messages that she believed were sent by Brandon.
Jessica’s family released a statement declaring her a victim of domestic violence and expressing hope that her story would encourage other victims to seek help. They mourned her loss but found solace in the belief that she was now safe from her abuser and enveloped in the love she yearned for in the afterlife. The family’s statement was a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that domestic violence can have on individuals and families. They also included information for those seeking help with domestic violence issues, providing the National Domestic Violence Hotline number for those in need of assistance.
The case of Jessica Barnes sheds light on the prevalence of domestic violence in society and the importance of speaking out and seeking help. The tragic outcome of her story serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by victims of domestic abuse and the urgent need for support and intervention. The charges brought against Brandon Barnes and his roommates highlight the seriousness of the crime and the legal consequences that perpetrators of domestic violence may face. By sharing Jessica’s story, her family hopes to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
The investigation into Jessica Barnes’s murder is ongoing, as authorities work to gather more evidence and uncover the full extent of the circumstances surrounding her death. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the coroner’s office, and Jessica’s family demonstrates a united effort to seek justice for her and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. As the community mourns the loss of Jessica, they also come together to support each other and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. The tragic events surrounding Jessica’s death serve as a sobering reminder of the need for continued efforts to address and prevent domestic violence in society.
