October 28, 2012 at approximately 12:47 am, 911 received a call of a physical domestic on Jade Lane involving a gunshot wound.  Deputies from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office along with Officers from the Arkansas State Police and the Mountain Home Police responded.

Upon arrival the scene was secured and the victim, 27 year old, James M. Barnes Jr. of Mountain Home, was transported to Baxter Regional Medical Center and later transferred to Mercy Hospital in Springfield with a gunshot wound to the face. A Smith & Wesson 45 caliber Handgun was also recovered.

Several people at the scene were questioned with one of them, 25 year old Jared Matthew Barnes who lived at the residence, the brother of the victim, taken in for further questioning.  Jared Barnes was later released.

After the preliminary investigation it is believed the two brothers both had been drinking heavily and begin arguing. The argument continued and turned physical with threats being made.  Witness statements along with other physical evidence indicate a 20 gauge shotgun was discharged at one point. Witnesses state that Jared Barnes kept telling his brother James to leave his property. The altercation continued to the front yard where Jared Barnes locked himself in his truck with James Barnes attempting to get at him.  Jared Barnes exited the truck with a 45 Caliber Handgun. The two men fought over the gun with it discharging several times, once of which struck James Barnes in the face.

The case is still under investigation with the findings to be turned over to the Prosecuting Attorney for review of possible charges.

Sheriff John Montgomery