Did ADHD Meds Cause This Texas Man to Kill Both of His Parents?

At 11:40 p.m., a woman frantically called 911, reporting that her father had shot her grandfather inside his Georgetown, Texas home. When deputies arrived, 37-year-old Seth Carnes walked out of the house and was immediately detained.

Without hesitation, he allegedly confessed: “I just shot and killed my mother and father.”

Texas Judge Found Dead, Wife Also Killed in Family Home

Inside the home, Alfred Carnes, a former Texas  Williamson County district court, was dead on the living room floor. Nearby, a black shotgun and shell casings were found in the kitchen. Susan Carnes was found in a bedroom upstairs; both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Murder Suspect Claims Psychotic Episode Led to Shooting

As Seth Carnes was questioned by authorities he appeared confused and didn’t fully understand what had happened. He claimed his mother had been trying to put a sleeping pill in his mouth, and he didn’t want to take it.

As for his father, he simply said: “I’ve just been looking for something and figured I would finish the job.”

Recently, Carnes pleaded guilty to murdering both his parents. The District Attorney’s office called the case “heartbreaking,” adding that while justice was served, it could never undo the tragic loss.

Defense Attorney Says Carnes Showed Remorse and Blames ADHD Medication

Attorney Russ Hunt revealed that Carnes was taking legally prescribed ADHD medication at the time. He believes that medication caused him to spiral into a psychotic break. Hunt believes Carnes did not act out of anger or hate but was in a delusional state.

During the plea hearing, Carnes apologized to his family, expressed love for them, and took full responsibility.