Brenda Iline Barnes, 75, of Exmore, Virginia, was killed during a family gathering on the evening of July 3, 2021, at a residence on Deep Creek Road in Onancock. She was described as a devoted mother and grandmother who sometimes worked three jobs to support her family and was well liked in her community. Deputies found Brenda and 53-year-old Dean Herbert Reid unresponsive; both were pronounced dead and their bodies were sent to the Norfolk Medical Examiner’s Office.

Investigators identified Brenda’s 34-year-old son, Frederick Marvin Barnes, Jr., as a suspect. Authorities allege he became belligerent after drinking, shot Dean Reid multiple times and then shot Brenda twice in the head; an attempted murder of his sister is also alleged. Barnes was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and firearm enhancements; he pleaded not guilty and was held without bond pending a jury trial set for June 2022.

Does anyone have information about Brenda, the gathering that night, or contacts who might help clarify what happened?