A Colorado resident, Patrick Barnett, faces serious charges related to his wife’s death. He’s charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased body, and tampering with evidence. Authorities rejected Barnett’s claim that his wife committed suicide.
On August 13, Lindsey Barnett was found with her throat cut in the shower of their Lakewood home. Patrick Barnett, aged 40, had called 911 early that morning, alleging his wife harmed herself due to postpartum depression. However, police doubted his story from the onset.
The crime scene investigators observed copious amounts of blood on the right side of the bed and clots covering that area. A trail of blood was traced from the bed to the bathroom, but minimal blood was found in the bathroom itself. These observations contradicted the husband’s narrative.
Patrick Barnett had visible fresh wounds, including cuts on his right thumb and multiple scratches on his body. Detective Victoria Wagner noted these injuries appeared consistent with defensive wounds, suggesting a struggle took place.
In an earlier police interview, Patrick admitted to marital issues and his wife’s postpartum depression. Yet, Lindsey’s mother, Donna Ott, reported her daughter never displayed suicidal tendencies. As a teacher, Lindsey was committed to her children and looking forward to the upcoming school year.
The Barnetts have two young children, both unharmed, aged three and an infant. Despite Patrick’s claim that the couple was repairing their relationship, evidence contradicted his story. Hours after Lindsey’s discovery, another woman contacted police, identifying herself as Patrick’s girlfriend. This woman claimed she had not heard from Patrick since the previous night, which was atypical given their usual communication.
Upon arrest later that day, Patrick admitted to an extramarital relationship, revealing a contradiction as he previously denied infidelity. He asserted Lindsey was aware and accepting of his new relationship, but these claims remain questionable.
Patrick Barnett has been assigned a public defender. He is set to appear before a judge in Jefferson County.
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