"The Reading Man" Warren Barnes: Chilling Murder Case & Missing Persons
Could the quiet corners of a community harbor the darkest of secrets? The tragic case of Warren Barnes, a homeless man known for his love of books, brutally murdered and dismembered, reveals a chilling reality that shattered the peace of Grand Junction, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and unanswered questions.
In the heart of downtown Grand Junction, Colorado, Warren Barnes was a familiar figure. He was known as "the reading man," a moniker earned from his habit of sitting on a chair outside a local bridal store, lost in the pages of a book. Local store owners and residents described him as a gentle, quiet individual. They'd offer him books, food, and drink, gestures of kindness that underscored the simple dignity he carried. Barnes, it seemed, had found solace and a sense of purpose in the world of literature, a stark contrast to the precariousness of his existence.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Warren Barnes |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1951 |
| Place of Residence | Grand Junction, Colorado (homeless) |
| Known For | Being "the reading man," his love for books, and his gentle demeanor. |
| Circumstances | Murdered and dismembered by Brian Cohee. |
| Family | Born to John and Elva Barnes, one of ten siblings. |
| Last Seen | Near Crosby Avenue, Grand Junction |
| Cause of Death | Murdered |
| Perpetrator | Brian Cohee |
The life of Warren Barnes, however, was tragically cut short. The details of his death paint a picture of unimaginable horror. Footage captured the chilling moment when Brian Cohee, a young man of just 21 years old, admitted to possessing the severed head and hands of a man, the victim being Warren Barnes, in his bedroom closet. Cohee confessed to the crime, showing no remorse for his actions. His brutal act sent shockwaves through the Grand Junction community and beyond.
Cohee's actions went far beyond a simple act of violence. He dismembered Warren Barnes' body, taking parts of the deceased man home, a thought that chills the blood of anyone who hears it. The discovery of the dismembered remains in Cohee's home, by his own mother, added another layer of devastation to the tragedy. It was a grim reality, a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Grand Junction community and the world were left to grapple with the question of why. Warren Barnes, a man known for his quiet nature and love of reading, became the victim of a senseless act of violence. His friends, who had known him and cared for him, frantically searched for him when he went missing, unaware of the horrors that had already occurred.
Cohees confession to the crime provided a chilling narrative of the events. He admitted to killing Barnes with a knife. The details were so gruesome and shocking, and the lack of remorse on Cohees face only intensified the publics outrage and grief.
Warren Barnes life was not without its challenges. Born on May 19, 1951, to John and Elva Barnes, he grew up in a large family with nine other siblings. Resources were scarce, and his upbringing was far from easy. Despite the hardships, Warren eventually settled in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he found a sense of community among the local residents.
The case of Warren Barnes also brought to light the vulnerability of the homeless population. Living on the streets, Barnes was exposed to a variety of risks, including violence and exploitation. His murder serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect and support those who are most vulnerable in our society.
While the focus of the investigation centered on the murder of Warren Barnes, a separate missing person case involving Warren Brown was also unfolding. However, the details of Brown's disappearance, which occurred in Palm Coast, Florida, on August 6, do not involve the same individuals. Brown, diagnosed with dementia, was considered an endangered missing person. He was last seen at approximately 2 p.m. on August 6 in the area of Utility Drive in Palm Coast, Florida, driving a 2015 red Ford pickup with Florida tag JH48L. The focus of the investigation was to find him and return him safely.
The details of the murder of Warren Barnes, the reading man, have left an indelible mark on the community of Grand Junction. The case has also exposed the vulnerability of those living on the streets and the importance of protecting them. Cohee's actions and his lack of remorse continue to stir feelings of shock and sorrow within the community. The case stands as a stark reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and vigilance in a world that can sometimes be filled with darkness.
In the courtroom, the verdict delivered after 4 p.m. brought the formal process to a close, but the emotional impact lingered. Cohee showed no visible reaction to the verdict, a stark contrast to the emotional responses from some of the attendees. The lack of remorse and the brutality of the crime fueled the pain of the community. More than thirty friends and relatives of the victim crowded into a Grand Junction courtroom on a Monday morning. The sentencing of Cohee was witnessed by them, the young man who chose a homeless victim because he thought no one would miss him.
The circumstances of Barnes death were indeed gruesome. The fact that human remains were found in a plastic bag only added to the horror. The discovery of these remains in a Grand Junction home and the details of the murder further shocked everyone. Barnes was known around downtown Grand Junction as the reading man.
The unsettling reality of the case highlights the value of human life and the responsibility we all have to protect each other. Even in the face of such darkness, the compassion displayed by the residents of Grand Junction toward Warren Barnes stands as a testament to the power of human kindness.
The case of Warren Brown, the other missing person, presented a different set of circumstances. Warren Brown, aged 66, went missing from Palmdale, Los Angeles County. He was last seen on December 2 around 2:30 a.m. Authorities believed he might be headed to a certain location. The California Highway Patrol issued a silver alert on behalf of the Stockton Police Department. Brown is described as black, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 205 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The contrast between the two Warrens highlights the various challenges that can face individuals and the need for proactive measures to address them. While the case of Warren Barnes serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of violence and vulnerability, the case of Warren Brown shows the importance of awareness, early intervention, and community support.
The case of Brian Cohee, the killer of Warren Barnes, serves as a chilling illustration of the darkness that can exist within the human heart. The fact that a human head and hands were part of the crime scene will stay with the community forever. His callous actions and lack of remorse only magnified the horror of the situation.
It's important to understand the details of both cases, but they should also be looked at from a broader perspective. These events remind us of the fragility of life, the importance of community, and the need for compassion and vigilance in an imperfect world. They call for a collective commitment to create a more just and humane society, where every life is valued and every individual is protected. These two cases are a wake-up call to society, urging us to confront and address the issues of violence, vulnerability, and the importance of valuing human life.
![Warren Brown [Barnes] that went missing was found in horrific state](https://thealliancerockband.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Warren-brown-brian-cohee.jpg)
