HE SAID SHE DIED BY SUICIDE — BUT INVESTIGATORS SAY THE TIMELINE DIDN’T ADD UP
HE SAID SHE DIED BY SUICIDE — BUT INVESTIGATORS SAY THE TIMELINE DIDN’T ADD UP
A Colorado husband is facing a first-degree murder charge after investigators say the physical evidence inside his home raised serious questions about his account of his wife’s death.
Lindsey Barnett, 37, was found dead inside her Lakewood home on August 13.
Her husband, Patrick Theodore Barnett, 40, allegedly told 911 that Lindsey had cut her own throat.
But detectives say the scene they encountered did not fit that explanation.
THE BEDROOM BECAME A KEY PIECE OF THE INVESTIGATION
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators discovered significant blood evidence in the couple’s bedroom, including blood on the bed and surrounding areas.
A bloody footprint was also documented between the bedroom and bathroom.
Yet police reportedly found far less blood in the bathroom, where Lindsey was discovered.
Investigators also noted bruising on Lindsey’s arms and legs and said some injuries appeared potentially consistent with defensive wounds.
The evidence led detectives to question whether her body had been moved after she was injured.
ANOTHER DETAIL ATTRACTED ATTENTION
Patrick allegedly told investigators that he had been sleeping downstairs after an argument with Lindsey.
He said he discovered her the following morning.
He also reportedly described Lindsey as suffering from postpartum depression.
But investigators spoke with members of Lindsey’s family who gave a different picture of her recent mental state.
Her mother reportedly said Lindsey had experienced depression previously but had not displayed recent symptoms and had never attempted suicide.
THEN DETECTIVES LEARNED ABOUT AN AFFAIR
Investigators also discovered that Patrick had allegedly been involved with another woman he met online.
According to reports, the woman told police Patrick had previously discussed divorcing Lindsey.
The relationship became another element investigators examined as they reconstructed the couple’s final days together.
However, an affair alone does not establish a motive for murder.
THE CASE NOW RESTS ON WHAT THE EVIDENCE CAN PROVE
Patrick Barnett has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
He remains in custody, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
The investigation will ultimately have to establish what happened inside the home, whether Lindsey’s death was intentionally caused and who was responsible.
ONE 911 CALL STARTED THE INVESTIGATION.
THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MAY NOW DETERMINE WHERE THE CASE GOES NEXT.
The most important questions remain unanswered:
What happened in the bedroom? Why was Lindsey found in the bathroom? And why did investigators conclude that the scene did not match the story they were initially given?
