Franklin Barnes is a name that has been making headlines in the past few months, but not for any good reason. He is the 18-year-old suspect who allegedly killed six people and injured three others in a random and brutal shooting spree that spanned from Arlington to Plano, Texas, on March 29, 2023. But who is Franklin Barnes and where is he now? Here are some facts you need to know about this notorious case.
A Deadly Day in Texas
The horror began in the early morning of March 29, when Arlington police found two men, Winston Davis and Joshua Daniels, both 25, shot dead in a parked car at an apartment complex. According to Entrepreneur Mindz, phone records placed Barnes at the scene of the crime, but he was not charged by the Arlington police.
Later that day, Barnes drove to Plano, where he met his friend Quintarius Young, 29, at the Cross Creek Apartments. According to the arrest warrant, Barnes randomly shot Young and his girlfriend in the face, killing Young and seriously injuring his girlfriend. He then proceeded to shoot two other residents of the apartment building, who survived with injuries.
The Motive and the Arrest
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, as Barnes has denied any involvement in the killings. He claimed that he and his girlfriend, whose identity has not been revealed, smoked marijuana that day and that he did not have a gun with him. He also said that he was saddened by the death of his friend Young and that he did not remember shooting anyone.
Barnes was arrested on April 1, 2023, at his home in McKinney, after police traced his phone and car. He is currently being held at the Collin County Jail, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault for the Cross Creek Apartments attack. He has not been charged for the Arlington murders yet, but the investigation is still ongoing.
The Aftermath and the Future
The shooting spree has left a trail of devastation and grief for the families and friends of the victims, who were innocent bystanders in Barnes’ rampage. The community has also been shaken by the senseless violence and the lack of answers. According to Heavy.com, a vigil was held for Young on April 2, 2023, where his loved ones remembered him as a loving father, son, brother, and friend.
As for Barnes, he faces a long and uncertain legal process ahead of him. He has not entered a plea yet and it is unknown if he has a lawyer. If convicted of his charges, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. However, there is also a possibility that he could be found not guilty by reason of insanity or mental defect, depending on his mental state and evaluation.
Where is Franklin Barnes now? He is behind bars, awaiting trial for his alleged crimes. But whether he will ever face justice or get help for his possible mental issues remains to be seen.