Deputies with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office found two people dead in a home on Taylortown Road late Sunday evening.
82-year-old Barbara Lee Barnette and her son, 52-year-old Brian Scott Barnette, were found dead in their residence after a relative requested deputies perform a welfare check. Upon entering the house, deputies discovered Barbara Barnette’s and Brian Barnette’s bodies, both with wounds consistent with gunshots. Firearms were also found inside the home.
Initial evidence seems to indicate that Brian Barnette shot and killed his mother before taking his own life. Investigators do not suspect anyone else’s involvement at this point, but will continue to pursue all leads and evidence.
Both bodies have been to the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine sent for autopsies.