Wisconsin – In a chilling case in Wisconsin that drew nationwide attention, a 25-year-old man, identified as J. Barnes-Morris, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse modifier following the tragic death of his 24-year-old girlfriend, identified as B. Stratton. The case, which was followed particularly closely because no charges were filed for months after the victim’s body was found, has revealed disturbing details leading up to the young woman’s death, culminating in a discovery that has sent ripples through the community.
Stratton was reported missing under mysterious circumstances, with her body eventually discovered in a local pond on October 3, 2024. This grim find marked a tragic end to a search that began shortly after she was last seen alive on September 30, walking with Barnes-Morris—the same day she was murdered. According to local news outlets, a search warrant revealed that Barnes-Morris had ominously confided in a friend that he “had to get rid of her,” a chilling statement made hours after Stratton was last seen. This conversation, according to detectives, included Barnes-Morris stating he “needed more bricks and rope” and complaining that “the weeds made it hard.” Adding to the sinister nature of the situation, the friend noted that Barnes-Morris appeared wet and had bloody scratches on his legs.
The events leading up to Stratton’s disappearance were fraught with tension. A heated argument between Stratton and Barnes-Morris occurred at a friend’s house days before she vanished. After the altercation, Stratton sought refuge at another friend’s house, expressing fears for her life, stating she believed Barnes-Morris “was truly going to kill her.”
Stratton’s fears became a reality as her body was found submerged. An autopsy later indicated drowning as the tentative cause of death. Her disappearance and subsequent death sparked a complex investigation that would eventually lead back to her boyfriend as the primary suspect. In a rapid response, police arrested Barnes-Morris on October 3, 2024, the same day Stratton’s body was discovered. He was found hiding in the basement of another friend’s house, reportedly in possession of Stratton’s credit cards and cellphone. When questioned by detectives, Barnes-Morris initially laughed off inquiries about his incriminating statements before requesting a lawyer, an interaction that hinted at his possible culpability in the horrifying act.
Charged by the District Attorney in March following an extensive investigation and review of the autopsy results, Barnes-Morris’s case is now proceeding through the courts. During his initial court appearance, he was held on a $1 million bond and instructed to avoid any contact with Stratton’s immediate family. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
The community has been left reeling from this case, both for the nature of the crime and the young age of the victim, who was described in heartfelt tributes as a vibrant young woman with a cheerful presence. As the legal process continues, with a preliminary hearing set for April 3, the community and Stratton’s family await justice, hoping for closure in a case that highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of taking early threats seriously.
