Missing 20-Year-Old Jessica Barnes' Body Found - Husband AND Roommates Arrested

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

We’re sad to report, the search for Jessica Barnes ended in tragedy, just as her mother feared.

The 20-year-old was reported missing by her mother Cecilia Varvara back on September 10. Jessica’s family hadn’t seen the South Carolina native since August 1, and Cecilia was sure the text messages she was getting were not really her daughter.

The Town Of Pendleton Police Department did a wellness check at the home Jessica shared with her husband, Brandon Barnes, and two female roommates, Victoria Tippett and Kendall Mims. Then the search began in earnest.

On Wednesday the Pendleton PD released a disturbing update. In partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), authorities found remains in nearby Pickens County last month. Brandon, Victoria, and Kendall were interviewed at this time. Pendleton Police Chief Roberts Crosby told People they searched the house they all lived, collecting “clues, articles of clothing, electronic devices.”

Finally on Tuesday of this week a forensic odontologist was able to confirm from dental records that the remains belonged to Jessica. After this confirmation, police brought back in the husband and roommates, eventually arresting all three.

Brandon Barnes Victoria Tippett Kendall Mims mugshots Anderson County Sheriffs Office — Brandon Barnes, Victoria Tippett, and Kendall Mims. / (c) Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

Per the arrest affidavit, one of the roommates’ cars was found abandoned, and phone evidence showed Brandon had driven it to the location.

Cops say when confronted Brandon confessed to strangling his wife with his bare arms. He’s being charged with murder. The roommates are accused of helping him try to cover it up, with Victoria allegedly witnessing the killing firsthand. Both girls are being charged with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice, and misprision of a felony — with Victoria getting an extra charge of neglecting to report a crime.

No motive has been made public, but Brandon has been publicly accused of domestic abuse by an ex-girlfriend. And sadly this is how a lot of domestic abuse situations end.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help Jessica’s mother — “a single mother to her 5 children” who needs help more than ever as the family has also been hit by Hurricane Helene amid the search and now murder case. You can help out Jessica’s family HERE.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.

[Image via Town Of Pendleton Police Department/Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.]