HE SAID HIS WIFE DIED BY SUICIDE — THEN INVESTIGATORS FOUND A BLOOD TRAIL FROM THE BEDROOM

When Patrick “Ted” Barnett called 911 on August 13, he allegedly told dispatchers that his wife, 37-year-old Lindsey Barnett, had cut her own throat.

But investigators say the scene inside the Lakewood, Colorado, home raised questions almost immediately.

THE BEDROOM DIDN’T MATCH THE SHOWER

According to the arrest affidavit, Lindsey was found in the shower with a severe wound to her neck.

A knife was nearby.

But detectives reportedly discovered a large amount of blood on the bed, sheets and pillows in the master bedroom — while there was comparatively little blood in the bathroom.

A trail of blood reportedly led from the bedroom toward the bathroom.

Investigators also documented a small bloody footprint near the bed and an overturned plant with soil dragged toward the bathroom.

THEN CAME THE INJURIES

Police reported that Lindsey had bruises on several parts of her body, including her arms, legs, back and hands.

Some of the injuries were described by investigators as potentially consistent with defensive wounds.

Detectives also photographed scratches on Patrick’s body, including a fresh cut on his thumb and scratches that investigators described as potentially consistent with fingernail marks.

HIS STORY ALSO CHANGED

Patrick initially denied having an affair.

Investigators later learned he had been involved with another woman, who contacted authorities after becoming concerned when she could not reach him.

According to the affidavit, Patrick eventually acknowledged the relationship and claimed Lindsey knew about it.

The woman also told police that Patrick had discussed divorcing Lindsey.

WHAT ABOUT THE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION CLAIM?

Patrick allegedly told investigators that Lindsey suffered from prepartum and postpartum depression.

But Lindsey’s mother, Donna Ott, reportedly told police that although her daughter had experienced depression previously, she had not shown recent symptoms and had never attempted suicide.

That claim is now part of a much larger investigation into what happened inside the home.

THREE FELONY CHARGES

Patrick Barnett has been charged with:

First-degree murder

Tampering with a deceased human body

Tampering with physical evidence

He remains in custody without bond. The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office has emphasized that these are formal accusations and that Barnett is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

HE CALLED 911 WITH ONE EXPLANATION.

INVESTIGATORS SAY THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE RAISED ANOTHER.

Now prosecutors will have to prove what happened to Lindsey Barnett — and whether the evidence inside that house can establish who was responsible.

Patrick Barnett has been charged, not convicted.