A South Carolina man, Brandon Barnes, has been accused of killing his wife, Jessica Barnes, who went missing weeks ago. The Pendleton Police Department charged Brandon Barnes with murder in connection to the death of his 20-year-old wife. Jessica Barnes was reported missing on Sept. 10 by her mother, and her body was discovered on Sept. 20 in a wooded area near Twin Lakes of Pickens County. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office determined that her cause of death was asphyxiation by strangulation.
Additionally, two roommates of the couple, Kendall Mims and Victoria Tippett, were also charged with being an accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice, and misprision of a felony. Brandon Barnes had mentioned in an interview with Fits News that he last saw his wife on Aug. 1 but did not report her missing as he believed she would return.
During a press conference, Pendleton Police Chief Robert Crosby revealed that Jessica Barnes was last seen by her roommates on Aug. 2. Her mother reported her missing after growing concerned when she did not receive a call from Jessica on her birthday on Aug. 26. Cecilia Varvara, Jessica’s mother, received text messages from her daughter’s phone before her disappearance, which she believes were sent by Brandon Barnes.
The family of Jessica Barnes released a statement acknowledging her as a victim of domestic violence and expressed hope that her story would encourage other victims to seek help. They described returning Jessica into the hands of Jesus, where they believe she is now safe from her abuser.
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many individuals, and it is essential to seek help if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. In the U.S., you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for assistance.
By shedding light on Jessica Barnes’ tragic story, her family aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support to other victims. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals in abusive relationships and to take a stand against domestic violence in our communities.
