CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - More information released on fatal stabbing at local party

More information released on fatal stabbing at local party

by Hayley Wielgus - bio | email

LINDALE (KYTX) - There is new information on a fatal stabbing we first told you about on Sunday. CBS 19's Hayley Wielgus has the details on the gathering of friends that turned deadly, along with the name of the victim.

Smith County Sheriff's investigators say 24 year old James Brandon Lee was stabbed to death just after midnight Sunday while attending a party near Lindale.

22 year old Joshua Dwain Barnes of Tyler is the man investigators say killed James Brandon Lee. Smith County Sheriff's Lieutenant Tony Dana says Barnes stabbed Lee at least twice after the two got into a fight. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene.

"We really don't know at this point what this stemmed over, we don't know how it turned from being a happy occasion to all of the sudden turning into a tragedy."

Dana says the stabbing happened during a party at the home of Smith County Sheriff's Deputy Terry Lindsey.

"From our initial investigation, there is no indication that Deputy Lindsey played a part in this, he was not in the immediate area when this incident occurred."

According to incident reports, Barnes told Sheriff's deputies: "I did not recall stabbing anybody, and all I remember is getting hit in the nose by James Brandon Lee." Barnes admitted to drinking six beers at the party.

On the social networking site Facebook, Lee's mother reacted to her son's tragic death.

I know that God has a plan but I just don't understand. Brandon was taken so young. Brandon, Momma loves you and I know that you are in a better place. Having a hard time but I will over come this sadness and hurt...

Lee's body has been sent to Southwest Forensics in Dallas for an autopsy. Lt. Dana says Lee and Deputy Lindsey, who hosted the party, were lifelong friends. Lindsey is on leave while the Sheriff's department finishes its investigation.

Barnes is being held in the Smith County Jail on murder charges. His bond is set at $500,000.