Husband Accused of Strangling Jessica Barnes Had Secret Child, Sexual Relationships with Couple’s Roommates: Police

Mar. 15, 2025

Jessica Barnes.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

A South Carolina man accused of murdering his wife was allegedly having sexual relationships with one of the couple’s pair of roommates while raising a secret child he’d fathered with the other, the local police chief tells PEOPLE.

Kendall Mims and Victoria Tippett, who both lived in a pool house with the couple, were charged with accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice and misprision of a felony, according to police.

As the investigation unfolds, details and the extent of Brandon’s alleged deception are coming to light.

Brandon had allegedly told Jessica that Kendall was his sister and their child was his niece, Troy Styles of Blunt Force Media, the media advisors for Jessica’s family, tells PEOPLE.

Jessica Barnes (left); and Jessica Barnes MISSING flyer.Courtesy of Blunt Force Media

Courtesy of Blunt Force Media

The deceased wife had allegedly struck up a friendship with their newest roommate, Tippett, based on both their shared experiences of losing a child, Styles says.

Jessica and Brandon had a stillbirth on Easter Day, while Tippett lost her child in an accident several months ago, per Styles. The two women bonded over their shared loss.

However, things took a turn when Jessica reportedly found Brandon and Tippett having sex, Styles says, which prompted her to take off for her mother’s house on July 31.

One day later, Jessica disappeared. On Aug. 2, Brandon allegedly strangled Jessica to death, Pendleton police said in an arrest affidavit. Police further allege Tippett witnessed the killing, per an arrest affidavit.

Brandon Barnes (left); Victoria Tippett; and Kendall Mims.Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

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In the arrest affidavit for Brandon, police allege he admitted to the crime.

Mims and Tippett allegedly admitted to assisting Brandon in disposing of Jessica’s body, per their respective affidavits.

It’s not immediately clear if any of the suspects have entered pleas. Attorney information for the three suspects was not immediately available.

AGoFundMehas been set up to assist Jessica’s family.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Pendleton police at 864-646-9409 or email the department at police@townofpendleton.org

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com