The ex of a man whose South Carolina wife is missing says he was physically and mentally abusive throughout their relationship.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Town of Pendleton Police Department stated that 20-year-old Jessica Barnes was last seen on August 1 in the Pendleton area. She was wearing flip-flops, an orange t-shirt, dark jeans, and carrying a black backpack at the time.
Barnes’ mother, Cecilia Varvara, requested a wellness check after she was unable to reach her daughter, and Barnes’ husband, Brandon Barnes stopped responding to messages.
According to FITS News, Katherine Gomm, who said she shares two children with Brandon Barnes stated that she left him in 2022 after he allegedly assaulted her in Maine.
Gomm reportefly claimed Barnes cut her off from her family by breaking her phone and blocking her relatives and friends on social media. She also accused him of routinely confining her inside their residence.
Gomm reported that Barnes assaulted her in Maine during her pregnancy, accusing her of “eating too much.” She shared a copy of a protection order she secured against him with FITS News.
Gomm came forward after learning of Jessica Barnes’ disappearance. She said she saw similarities between her own experiences and Jessica’s, and gave investigators details about the abuse she allegedly endured from Brandon Barnes.
Our @IndyJenn_ reports on the latest developments in the search for #JessicaBarnes. This 20-year-old South Carolina woman has been missing for 54 days. #SCMissingPersons #MissingPersons https://t.co/MvDZeA93aD
— FITSNews (@fitsnews) September 23, 2024
Meanwhile, Jessica’s family released a statement thanking the community for their support as the search continues.
“We are deeply moved by the support from our community, friends, and those who have reached out to show their care for Jessica.”
“While we cannot comment on the progress of the investigation into her disappearance, we can confirm that no suspect or persons of interest have been named by law enforcement at this time. The case remains very active, and authorities are continuing to work this case as a missing person.”
The Pendleton Police Department and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are reportedly collaborating on the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Chief Robert Crosby at 864-646-9409 or email robertc@townofpendleton.org.
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[Featured image: Jessica Barnes/Handout]
