A South Carolina man is accused of murdering his wife as dark secrets emerge surrounding an affair he had with his roommates while raising a secret son.
Jessica Barnes, 20, disappeared in August from her home in Pendleton, South Carolina. His body would be discovered a month later, on September 20.
Her mother Cecilia Varvara reported her daughter missing on September 10 and said she had not seen her since August 1, according to a report from the Anderson County Coroner’s Office.
Police located his remains in a wooded area in Pickens County, near Twins Lakes. The coroner’s office ruled his death a homicide and said he died from strangulation.
Her husband Brandon Barnes, 21, and her two roommates, Kendall Mims, 20, and Victoria Tippett, 20, were brought in for interviews after the coroner’s office confirmed the remains were Jessica’s on Sept. 1. October.
Jessica Barnes, 20, disappeared in August from her home in Pendleton, South Carolina. His body would be discovered a month later, on September 20.
Police located his remains in a wooded area in Pickens County, near Twins Lakes. The coroner’s office ruled his death a homicide and said he died from strangulation. PHOTO: Brandon Barnes
Her husband Brandon Barnes, 21, and her two roommates Kendall Mims (right) and Victoria Tippett (left) were brought in for interviews after the coroner’s office confirmed the remains were Jessica’s on Oct. 1; They were arrested later
The three were charged after interviews, the Pendleton Police Department he said in a statement.
Brandon was charged with murder and Kendall and Victoria were charged with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice, and deprivation of liberty (deliberate concealment) of a felony.
The two roommates lived with the Barnes couple in a house with a pool; Brandon’s affair with the two women was secret and underway before Jessica came into the picture.
Pendleton Police Chief Roberts Crosby said People Magazine: ‘(Jessica and Brandon) started their relationship 18 months ago and during that time, Brandon was still in a relationship with Kendall because he had a baby with her six months ago.’
Jessica was allegedly lied to about the nature of Kendall and Brandon’s relationship: Her husband told her that Kendall was his sister and that the daughter they shared was his niece.
Jessica and Brandon got married in January of this year.
Victoria and Jessica bonded over the loss of a child when Jessica was stillborn on Easter Day; Victoria had lost her son in an accident months before.
They allegedly lied to Jessica about the nature of Kendall and Brandon’s relationship: her husband told her that Kendall was her sister and that the daughter they shared was her niece (PHOTO: Kendall and Brandon)
Jessica and Brandon got married in January 2024
Victoria (pictured) and Jessica bonded over the loss of a child when Jessica was stillborn on Easter Day; Victoria had lost her son in an accident months before. He caught them having sex on July 31.
The illusion would be shattered on July 31 when Jessica found her husband having sex with Victoria; a day later, she would disappear, People magazine reported.
Crosby said in the press conference On October 2, that information became confusing on social media, where the three suspects actively interacted with Internet detectives.
Victoria interacted with users on Facebook who would question where Jessica was and her involvement in her disappearance.
She posted a photo of Brandon on September 15. A user asked him if he had helped him get rid of Jessica.
Victoria replied: ‘Why should I get rid of my best friend? You all have the most ridiculous accusations I have ever heard.
Another user responded by asking why she would get involved with someone who was intimate with her best friend and was “already on a strange path.”
The username of Victoria’s linked Instagram account is brandonsgirl116.
In a now private post that was republished on a facebook group dedicated to Jessica’s disappearance, Kendall, who goes by Kendall Barnes on Facebook, wrote: “The fact that you are commenting and accusing Brandon Barnes of such hateful things when it is so difficult that he is depressed, barely eating or drinking for weeks , he’s worried.” for your safety.
Crosby said at the Oct. 2 news conference that information became complicated on social media, where the three suspects actively interacted with Internet detectives. IN THE PHOTO: Jessica’s mother, Cecilia Varvara.
Jessica’s family left parting words about her legacy at the press conference: ‘Jessica had ambition, she had dreams and her soul was a constant testimony to others through her faith.’
“I feel really bad and I wish everyone would just let us heal and process.”
All three suspects are being held at the Anderson County Detention Center and their bond hearings were recorded and released by Blunt force means on October 2 at 4 p.m.
If Brandon is convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty.
Their initial court appearances are scheduled for December 3.
Jessica’s family left parting words about her legacy at the press conference: ‘Jessica had ambition, she had dreams and her soul was a constant testimony to others through her faith.
‘We hope this serves as a message to victims of domestic violence around the world. Ask for help. Jessica was strong, but little by little, her strength was being stripped away.
TO GoFundMe Varvara launched a campaign to raise money for funeral expenses.