Colorado Man Faces Murder Charge in Wife’s Death

A Colorado resident, Patrick Barnett, aged 40, has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased body, and tampering with physical evidence. These charges came after the death of his wife, Lindsey Barnett, who was discovered in their Lakewood home with her throat slit. The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office made the announcement following the arrest.

On August 13, Patrick Barnett contacted 911, claiming his 37-year-old wife had self-inflicted the fatal injury, citing postpartum depression. However, authorities were skeptical of his narrative. An arrest affidavit, prepared by Detective Victoria Wagner, detailed inconsistencies in Patrick’s account.

Crime scene investigators observed significant bloodstains on the right side of the bed, bedding, and pillows. Blood clots scattered around the right side of the bed led to the bathroom, yet there was minimal blood within the bathroom itself. Police found this conflicting with Patrick’s explanation.

Further investigations revealed Patrick Barnett had fresh injuries — a cut on his right thumb and scratches on the upper right arm, near the armpit extending to the chest. Additional scratches were noted on the lower right abdomen and below the collarbone. Authorities identified these as defensive wounds consistent with fingernail scratches.

During an initial interview, Patrick admitted to marital struggles with Lindsey, attributing some issues to her postpartum depression. Nevertheless, Lindsey’s mother, Donna Ott, informed the police that while her daughter had experienced depression, she had never shown suicidal tendencies or attempted suicide. Lindsey, a teacher, was reportedly optimistic about the upcoming school year and committed to her children, aged 3 and an infant, who were unharmed.

Patrick Barnett maintained their efforts to salvage their marriage and denied any infidelity from either side. However, later developments revealed otherwise. A woman, claiming to be Patrick’s girlfriend, requested a welfare check on him hours after Lindsey’s body was found. She stated their regular communication ceased at 11 p.m. the previous night, raising concern.

Upon his arrest at 7:10 p.m. on the day of the incident, Patrick confessed to a relationship with another woman he met online through their mutual interest in ultimate frisbee. He asserted that Lindsey was aware and accepted his extramarital involvement.

Patrick Barnett was assigned a public defender. Attempts to contact a representative for comment were unsuccessful. He is set to appear before a Jefferson County judge on Friday.