Who was Isaac Alton Barnes? NC man shoots mom, stepdad, two cops before killing himself during 13-hour standoff
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA: The accused in the horrific 13-hour shootout in Boone, North Carolina, who killed his parents and two cops before shooting himself, has been identified as 32-year-old Isaac Alton Barnes. On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Barnes killed his mother Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and his stepfather George Wyatt Ligon, 58.
After Wataunga County Sheriff's deputies Chris Ward and Logan Fox responded to the Ligon household in Hardaman Circle for a welfare check, they were also fatally shot by Barnes. Eventually, Isaac Barnes killed himself. Another police officer from Appalachian State University was also shot during the initial operation to rescue the trapped deputies. A Boone police officer was also hit by a bullet but was saved from injury by his Kevlar helmet, reported US News.
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Who was Isaac Alton Barnes?
A week prior to the massacre, law enforcement agencies received multiple calls from people who knew Isaac Barnes to warn that he was dangerous, especially because he had a 'lot of guns'. There were also speculations that Barnes might target the public as he appeared to have a plan set to take 'people out'.
However, the police were unable to locate Barnes on time and they did not even expect to find him at his mother's house. Seargent Chris Ward and K-9 deputy Logan Fox visited the house around 9.44 am without anticipating anything dangerous. The welfare check was requested by the homeowner's employer after the family did not answer calls or report to work, while their vehicles were still on the property.
The standoff spelled terror across Boone County and lasted till 11 pm, clocking more than 13 hours. While officer Logan Fox died at the scene after being attacked by Barnes, Sergeant Ward died later at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, across the state border.
After the standoff ended, police authorities discovered the bodies of Michelle and George Ligon as well as Isaac Barnes himself, lying inside the house. It was also noted that Isaac had turned the gun on himself after killing his parents.
Confirming the tragic deaths of her mother, stepfather and brother, Isaac Barnes's sister Sommer Barnes told WRAL, "I love and miss them all so much."
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been started by Back the Blue NC to support Ward's family which has raised $63,209, of its $50,000 goal.