Patrick Barnett, a 40-year-old Colorado man, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, 37-year-old elementary school art teacher Lindsey Barnett, after police uncovered what they described as a double life. Lindsey was found dead in the shower at their family home in Lakewood on Thursday, August 13, with a large cut to her throat.
Injuries and inconsistencies in the account
Barnett reportedly told authorities that he discovered Lindsey in the bathroom with self-inflicted injuries, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Denver Post. He called police just after 6 a.m., but first responders were unable to revive her. A five-inch knife was reportedly found near her body. However, police became suspicious when they found a large pool of blood on the bed, contradicting Barnett's claim that he found Lindsey in the shower. A trail of Lindsey's blood led from the bedroom to the bathroom, leading authorities to suggest she actually died in bed, not in the shower. Barnett maintained that the bathroom was where he found her, according to the Daily Mail. 'He claimed to have no knowledge of what happened,' police wrote in the affidavit.
Investigators also noted that Barnett had sustained numerous injuries, including a wound on his thumb and scratches on his arms, described as consistent with defensive injuries. When pressed, Barnett initially told police the marks were from a frisbee tournament in July, but later changed his statement, saying he was unsure and suggested they might have come from an ultimate frisbee tournament on August 8. In addition to the large cut to Lindsey's throat, she had bruises on her arms, legs, back, hips, and hands. Dried blood marks were found on Barnett's neck and behind his ears, which he could not explain.
Relationship troubles and a secret girlfriend
Barnett told investigators that he last saw his wife between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. the night before her death, after arguing about dinner. He claimed he slept in the basement and woke up around 5:30 a.m., then found Lindsey in the bathroom. Police noted that while Barnett was 'audibly sobbing' during the call, 'there were no tears.' Barnett said they had been having 'relationship issues' over the past few months and were not sleeping in the same bed, with Lindsey in the main bedroom and him in the basement. He claimed they were 'working on their marriage' and that he was 'excited about the prospect of moving back upstairs.'
Barnett also claimed Lindsey had been suffering from postpartum depression since the birth of their daughter in February, but he could not confirm whether she was taking any medication. Lindsey's parents contested this, with her mother, Donna Ott, telling police their daughter was not depressed or suicidal and was making plans for the upcoming school year. Donna described Barnett as verbally abusive and controlling, and said the five-year marriage was 'troubled,' though she believed he had never physically abused Lindsey. She recalled an incident earlier this year when Lindsey requested to stay at her parents' house to get away from her husband.
During the investigation, police were contacted by a mystery woman who identified herself as Barnett's girlfriend. This contradicted Barnett's earlier claim that there was no infidelity in the relationship. The woman told police she was worried about Barnett because she hadn't heard from him and requested a welfare check. It was revealed that Barnett met the woman online three months ago, telling her he was divorcing his wife and that Lindsey was severely mentally ill, had been in a psychiatric unit, attempted suicide, and was not living in the family home. When questioned about this relationship, Barnett changed his story, telling authorities that Lindsey knew about the affair and was okay with it, but that no one else knew.
Legal proceedings and next steps
Barnett is currently being held without bond on suspicion of first-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, August 20. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Lindsey Barnett's death.
