A South Carolina man is accused of killing his wife, while dark secrets emerge surrounding an affair he had with their roommates while raising a secret child.
Jessica Barnes, 20, disappeared from her home in Pendleton, South Carolina, in August. Her 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, a police spokesperson said. report from the Anderson County coroner’s office.
Police found her remains in a wooded area in Pickens County, near Twins Lakes. The coroner’s office ruled her death a homicide and said she died of 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 on October 1 that the remains were Jessica’s.
Jessica Barnes, 20, disappeared from her home in Pendleton, South Carolina, in August. Her body would be discovered a month later, on September 20
Police found her remains in a wooded area in Pickens County, near Twins Lakes. The coroner’s office ruled her death a homicide and said she died of strangulation. PICTURED: 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 on October 1 that the remains were Jessica’s.
All three were charged after the interviews Pendleton Police Department said in a statement.
Brandon was charged with murder and Kendall and Victoria were charged with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice and misrecording (intentional concealment) of a crime.
The two roommates lived with the Barnes couple in a pool house – Brandon’s affair with the two women was secretive and had been going on before Jessica had entered 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 child 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 suffered a stillbirth on Easter Day – Victoria had lost her child in an accident months earlier.
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 child they shared was his niece (IMAGE: Kendall and Brandon)
Jessica and Brandon married in January 2024
Victoria (pictured) and Jessica bonded over the loss of a child when Jessica suffered a stillbirth on Easter Day – Victoria had lost her child in an accident months earlier. She later caught them having sex on July 31
The illusion would shatter 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 complicated on social media – where all three suspects actively engaged with internet sleuths.
Victoria started talking to users Facebook who would wonder where Jessica was and her involvement in her disappearance.
She posted a photo of Brandon on September 15. One user asked if she helped him get rid of Jessica.
Victoria replied: ‘Why on earth would I get rid of my best friend? You all have the most ridiculous accusations I have ever heard.”
A separate user replied asking why she would get involved with someone who was intimate with their best friend and that she was “already on a weird path.”
Victoria’s associated Instagram account username is Brandonsgirl116.
In a now private message reposted to a Facebook group Dedicated to Jessica’s disappearance, Kendall – who goes by the name 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 and has barely eaten or drank for weeks, makes me sad. to assure. for her safety.
Crosby said during the Oct. 2 news conference that information became complicated on social media — where all three suspects were actively involved in internet sleuthing. IMAGE: 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 witness to others through her faith.”
‘I feel very unwell and wish everyone would just let us heal and process.’
All three suspects are being held at the Anderson County Detention Center and the hearings were recorded and released by Blunt Force Media on October 2 at 4 p.m.
If Brandon is found guilty, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Their initial court appearances are all 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 witness to others through her faith.
‘We hope this sends a message to victims of domestic violence everywhere. Please contact us for assistance. Jessica was strong, but little by little her strength was taken away.”
A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Varvara to raise money for funeral expenses.