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One Year Later, Man Faces Manslaughter Charge
01/21/10 - 08:36 AM

Jackson County Floridan

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Marianna resident Randall Wayne Barnes, 44, was arrested Tuesday on the charge of a negligent homicide in connection with the death of 31-year-old Corine Monisha Speights.

Following the fatal shooting, which occurred nearly a year ago at the Marianna Garden Apartments, Barnes then attempted to take his own life.

According to a police report, on the morning of Jan. 29 at approximately 8 a.m., authorities found Speights on the floor of her living room, dead from a gunshot wound to her face.

Barnes was found lying to the right of the victim, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head, apparently self-inflicted, with his semi-automatic weapon lying next to him.

The gun, a .40 caliber Berretta used in the shooting, belonged to Barnes, according to the police report.

Emergency officials arrived moments later to transport Barnes to Jackson County Hospital for treatment to his nearly fatal wound.

“Since the day of the incident, Barnes has been through a year of constant medical care,” Police Chief Hayes Baggett said Wednesday. “He has been in and out of surgery and still has yet to fully recover.”

According to Major Donnie Branch of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barnes was arrested Tuesday by the sheriff’s office on a warrant for negligent homicide. Barnes was picked up at the courthouse after making an appearance.

Barnes was released from custody as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Jackson County Correctional Facility.

“He probably is out for medical reasons,” Baggett said. “He had a pretty horrific wound and while in jail, the city is responsible for his medical needs. So more than likely he was released for more medical attention.”

According to the police report, witnesses in the apartment at the time of the incident claimed Barnes was drunkenly waving the gun around. The group had been playing cards, drinking and smoking crack cocaine that night, according to the police report.

While Barnes was waving the firearm around, it went off, hitting Speights in the face. The two witnesses fled the apartment following the shooting.

According to the police report, in their absence, the suspect attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head, under his chin.

The report states Barnes’ toxicology screen indicated the suspect’s blood alcohol level at 0.392, “which is a clear indication of extreme alcohol intoxication during the ... shooting event.”

There were no further details on Barnes’ medical condition, or when he will appear in court again as of Wednesday afternoon.