Patrick Theodore Barnett, 40, has been charged with the murder of his wife, Lindsey Barnett, who was found dead in her shower on Aug. 13. Authorities in Lakewood, Colorado, allege that Patrick staged the scene to look like a suicide, despite his claims that his wife, who had recently given birth, took her own life due to postpartum depression.
According to an arrest affidavit, Patrick Barnett called 911 around 6 a.m. on Aug. 13, stating his wife had slit her own throat. He told investigators he had slept in the basement the night before and found her body when he went upstairs. He also told police that Lindsey, a school teacher, had been suffering from postpartum depression after the birth of their second child in February 2025.
However, investigators found evidence that contradicted the suicide narrative. Lindsey Barnett's body had bruises on her arms and legs, some of which appeared to be defensive wounds. The affidavit also noted that one side of the couple's bed was soaked in blood, while the bathroom where Lindsey was found showed minimal blood evidence. Investigators believe the blood patterns in the bathroom indicated that her body had been repositioned.
Further evidence gathered by police included a knocked-over plant near the bed, with soil dragged into the bathroom, and a small, bloody footprint found between the bed and the bathroom. Investigators also learned that Patrick Barnett was having an affair with a woman he met online three months prior. This woman told police that Patrick had expressed his intention to divorce Lindsey and had claimed Lindsey had been in a psychiatric unit and attempted suicide the weekend before her death.
Lindsey Barnett's mother, Donna Ott, told police that while her daughter had a history of depression, she had not exhibited recent symptoms or previously attempted suicide. Ott also stated that Patrick Barnett had been verbally abusive towards her daughter in the past. Lindsey was described as a loving mother who was anticipating the start of the new school year.
Patrick Barnett is being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 20. He was charged with murder following an investigation that uncovered inconsistencies in his account of his wife's death.