Georgetown, TX – According to court documents, the Texas man who killed his mother, a teacher for almost 30 years, and his father, a respected judge, at their house outside of Austin has acknowledged his guilt.

Seth B. Carnes, 47, entered a guilty plea to capital murder on Monday and will serve the remainder of his life in prison for the 2024 murders of his parents, Susan H. Carnes, 74, and Alfred “Burt” Carnes, a retired judge. Prior to entering the plea, the younger Carnes was scheduled to stand trial the following month.

“This guilty plea ensures that Seth Carnes is held accountable for his actions in this heartbreaking case,” said District Attorney Shawn Dick in a statement released to local media. “Judge Carnes and his wife Susan were beloved members of the community where they lived and served. The loss of their lives in this manner devastated not only their family but many within the community who loved and respected them. While nothing can undo the profound loss suffered by the family of Judge and Mrs. Carnes, this outcome brings a measure of justice and finality to a deeply tragic situation. We hope this resolution can offer some small degree of peace to the family members as they continue to heal.”

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 300 block of County Road 317 in the Georgetown region at approximately 11:45 p.m. on January 8, 2024, as previously reported by Law&Crime. According to a press statement, Seth Carnes was seen exiting the house as deputies arrived. According to reports, he told deputies that he had just shot his parents. Upon entering, deputies discovered that the judge and his spouse had been shot and killed.

Seth Carnes was arrested by police.

According to investigators, a dispute turned into “family violence and death.”

Seth Carnes told deputies he killed his mother because he believed she was trying to put a sleeping medication in his mouth, which he did not want to take, according to a copy of the probable cause arrest document that the Austin American-Statesman was able to get. He allegedly said, “I was just looking for something and figured I would finish it off,” when asked why he shot his father.

He kept a Remington 870 shotgun next to his bed, which he utilised.

According to the affidavit, police discovered his mother in the garage apartment where Seth Carnes lived with his parents. According to the affidavit, police discovered Burt Carnes in the main home’s living room, approximately five feet from a recliner.

“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,” Cmdr. John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said in a statement.

The town is in “a state of shock and sorrow” as a result of the killings, according to Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason.

“Mr. Carnes was a respected and admired figure in our community, known for his fair and compassionate approach to justice. His dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of those around him was truly remarkable. His dedication to justice and unwavering commitment to fairness will be remembered for generations to come,” Gleason said.

The American-Statesman reports that Burt Carnes retired in 2013 following 24 years of service in Williamson County’s 368th District Court. For almost thirty years, Susan Carnes taught elementary education.

In the courtroom, Burt Carnes was notoriously rigors, even establishing a clothing code. When he retired, he told the American-Statesman about his judicial philosophy.

“I have a belief that the judge has to control the courtroom, to make it a fair trial,” he said. “If the judge isn’t in control, one of the lawyers is going to be in control and then it isn’t a level playing field. I believe everybody should show respect and follow the rules. That includes dressing appropriately.”

According to their obituary, the couple had been married for about 52 years. Susan Carnes taught in Georgetown, Austin, and Taylor.

“She was kind, generous, and patient,” her obituary read. “She also had a stubborn streak that her family attributed to her Czech and German heritage, and she would do anything for those who were privileged to be loved by her.