|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (BFMG) — Kendall Mims, charged with accessory after the fact to murder, obstructing justice, and misprision of a felony in the death of Jessica Barnes, was granted bond Thursday following an emotional hearing in Anderson County Circuit Court. Her attorney described Mims’ life with co-defendant Brandon Barnes as a “psychological horror movie,” citing prolonged abuse and coercion.
Allegations of Abuse and Coercion
Mims’ defense attorney detailed the extensive psychological trauma Mims allegedly endured at the hands of Brandon Barnes, who is accused of murdering his wife, Jessica Barnes. She stated that Mims was kidnapped in the middle of the night and moved to Georgia, where she was forced to keep her phone on while sleeping so Barnes could monitor her.
Barnes allegedly controlled Mims’ finances, severed her family contact, monitored her social media, and subjected her to disturbing abuse. Court testimony also revealed that he drugged Mims, forced her to perform sexual acts, and wouldn’t allow her to breastfeed her infant child.
Role in Disposal of Jessica Barnes’ Body
Prosecutors allege that Mims helped dispose of Jessica Barnes’ body after the murder. The remains were found burned in a remote area of Pickens County. Investigators say Mims initially lied about purchasing materials at Lowe’s and denied returning to the burn site but later admitted to both after video evidence placed her at each location.
In a statement given at the Clemson Police Department on October 1, Mims admitted to helping dispose of the body, saying she was at work when the murder occurred but participated in events afterward. Authorities discovered that Mims, along with co-defendants, traveled nearly 100 miles with Barnes’ body before returning to a site near the murder scene where the body was burned.
Bond Hearing and Court Support
During the bond hearing before Judge Salvini, the court received letters in support of bond for Mims from Pendleton Police Chief Robert Crosby and Cecilia Varvara, Jessica Barnes’ mother. The letters referenced Mims’ mental health needs and her desire to care for her infant child while under home detention.
Defense requested a $40,000 bond, while Solicitor David Black asked for a higher amount, citing the severity of the case. Ultimately, the court set a surety bond at $75,000 with strict conditions including house arrest, GPS monitoring, and no contact with co-defendants or the victim’s family. Mims will reside with her grandfather at the Pendleton address where Jessica Barnes was killed.
Pending Charges and Hold in Pickens County
Shortly after the bond was granted, officials confirmed that Mims is under a hold related to a pending charge of desecration of human remains. The warrant, to be issued by Pickens County, has not yet appeared on the public index.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Mims remains held in the Anderson County Detention Center while her charges in Pickens County are pending.
Blunt Force Media Group will continue to follow this developing story as courtroom proceedings continue.
