A man from Colorado, Patrick Barnett, faced serious charges, including first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased body, and tampering with physical evidence. Authorities have accused him of killing his wife, Lindsey Barnett, whose body was discovered at their home in Lakewood on August 13, as announced by the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
According to Detective Victoria Wagner’s arrest affidavit, Lindsey Barnett, 37, had her throat slashed. Patrick Barnett, 40, called 911 that morning, claiming his wife had cut her own throat due to postpartum depression. However, investigators were skeptical of his explanation from the start.
Crime scene experts observed significant blood on the right side of the couple’s bed and blood clots concentrated there. Despite a blood trail leading to the bathroom, the bathroom itself showed little evidence of blood, as noted in the affidavit.
“The presence of blood trails contradicts the suspect’s account of events,” Wagner emphasized in the report.
Police discovered fresh injuries on Patrick Barnett, including a cut on his right thumb and scratches on his upper arm, abdomen, and collarbone. These were consistent with defensive wounds.
During interrogation, Patrick admitted to marital issues, referencing his wife’s postpartum depression. He claimed they were working on their marriage and denied any infidelity. However, detectives received a tip from a woman claiming to be Patrick’s girlfriend. She reported unusual silence from him after 11 p.m. the night before Lindsey’s death, which was unlike their regular communication.
Confronted with evidence of the extramarital relationship, Patrick confessed to seeing another woman, claiming his wife was aware and unbothered.
Lindsey’s mother, Donna Ott, informed police of Lindsey’s depression but reported no suicidal tendencies or past attempts. Lindsey was a dedicated teacher preparing for the school year and mother to two young children, ages 3 and an infant, both of whom were unharmed.
Legal proceedings are underway with Patrick Barnett in custody. He has been assigned a public defender and is scheduled for a court appearance in Jefferson County.