Name: Jessica Barnes
Age: 20 years old
Last seen: August 1, 2024
Location: Pendleton, South Carolina
Status: Found deceased; husband charged with murder
Case Information
20-year-old Jessica Barnes was last seen in Pendleton, South Carolina on August 1, 2024. She disappeared after leaving the residence she shared with her newlywed husband.
Background
In January 2024, Jessica Barnes married Brandon Barnes. At the time of her disappearance, they were living in a residence along Laurel Drive in Pendleton, South Carolina, a town of approximately 3,700 people located in Anderson County, southwest of Greenville.
Disappearance
On August 1, 2024, Jessica Barnes was last seen by her husband at their residence in Pendleton, South Carolina. Jessica hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
On September 10, 2024, her mother filed a missing person’s report with the Town of Pendleton Police Department after receiving a text message from her daughter that did not sound like her.
Investigation
Authorities state that Jessica and her husband were going through trouble in their marriage before she disappeared. She did not tell her husband or her two roommates where she was going when she left.
Jessica’s husband, Brandon Barnes, is not currently considered a suspect in her disappearance.
On September 19, 2024, authorities conducted a search in a wooded area near the Twin Lakes Boat Ramp, where a vehicle she usually drove was pinged.
On September 20, 2024, police conducted a search at Jessica’s residence in Pendleton. They recovered several items, including a phone, which have been sent to a crime lab for processing.
Body of Jessica Barnes Found, Husband and Roommates in Custody
On September 20, 2024, Jessica’s body was found in a wooded area in Pickens County, but wasn’t positively identified until October 1, 2024. The autopsy, which was performed by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, found the cause of death to be asphyxiation by strangulation, with the manner of death being homicide.
According to arrest warrants, Jessica Barnes’ husband and her two roommates have been charged in her death.
Her husband, Brandon Barnes, has been charged with murder. Her roommates, Kendall Mims and Victoria Tippett, are charged with accessory after the fact, neglect in reporting a crime, and obstruction of justice.
The warrants say Brandon strangled Jessica to death, and that Mims and Tippett helped dispose of her body.
Appearance
Physical Description:
White female with blonde hair and blue/green eyes. Jessica stands 5’4 tall and weighs 185 pounds.
Distinctive Physical Features:
Jessica wore a pair of dark colored and/or clear frames glasses.
Clothing and accessories:
Jessica was last seen wearing an orange t-shirt, dark jean shorts, and flip-flops. She was carrying a black backpack.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jessica Barnes please contact the Town of Pendleton Police Department at (864) 646-9509.
Resources & Further Information
Town of Pendleton Municipal Complex, South Carolina – Facebook
News & Media Links
Jessica Barnes: 20 Year Old Vanishes from Small Town in South Carolina – Blunt Force Media – BMFG 09/2024
South Carolina: Jessica Barnes missing out of Pendleton – WYFF 09/2024
South Carolina: Mother pleads missing daughter to come home – WYFF 09/2024
Vigil Scheduled For Missing South Carolina Woman – FITS News 09/2024
Videos & Flyers
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