In 2021, 19-year-old Colorado resident Brian Cohee committed a gruesome murder, taking the life of 69-year-old Warren Barnes. Cohee’s own mother, Terri, discovered the dismembered remains in his bedroom closet, leading to his arrest.
Bodycam footage from the arrest reveals Cohee’s chilling admission. When officers informed him of his parents’ concerns, he responded, “Yeah, I believe so, a human head and hands. From that fella that went missing. I murdered him with a knife.” When questioned about his motive, he stated, “I always wondered what murder would feel like.”
Terri recounted the horrifying moment she found the remains: “I saw a plastic bag and I was like what in the world is this, I picked it up and it was heavy and I held it in my hands, maggots covering it.” She immediately contacted her husband and authorities.
Cohee meticulously planned the murder over six months, targeting Barnes because he believed a homeless person would not be missed. He described the attack in detail, stating, “I took the knife I pulled back the canvas and I stabbed his neck.” After the murder, he attempted to dispose of the body by placing it in his car and driving to the Colorado River.
In 2023, Cohee was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of tampering with a dead body, and tampering with evidence, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
This case has garnered significant attention, with true crime enthusiasts expressing their horror and disbelief. A documentary titled “Parents Discover Teen Son’s Horrifying Secret” on the YouTube channel EXPLORE WITH US has amassed over 11 million views, leaving viewers disturbed and unable to sleep after learning about the case.
The tragic loss of Warren Barnes has deeply affected his loved ones, who have since erected a memorial sculpture in one of his favorite places to honor his memory.
