2020-10-31 Barrow

Murder of Kara Barrow – North Amarillo Fatal Shooting

Kara Danell Barrow, 36, of Amarillo, was shot and killed on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at a residence in the 1400 block of East Bonita Avenue in north Amarillo. Her husband, Joseph Michael Barrow, 34, was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 25 years in prison for her murder.

Incident

According to the Amarillo Police Department, officers were called to the 1400 block of East Bonita Avenue on a shooting at 11:15 a.m. on October 31, 2020.

Upon arrival, Kara was found with a gunshot wound to the upper body. She was transported to a hospital where she later died from injuries suffered in the shooting.

Joseph was seen fleeing the scene before officers arrived. He was found at a hotel in the 8600 block of Canyon Drive and was taken into custody by APD SWAT.

Arrest and Booking

Joseph Michael Barrow, 34, was arrested after evidence led to an arrest warrant in the murder of 36-year-old Kara Barrow.

Joseph was booked into the Potter County Detention Center on a murder charge.

Court Proceedings

Case Timeline:

• November 4, 2020: Complaint filed; warrant attested

• November 6, 2020: Magistrate's warning

• November 9, 2020: Order appointing counsel (Steven Michael Denny)

• November 10, 2020: Warrant served

• November 23, 2020: Indictment filed

• May 13, 2021: Request for bond reduction

• November 3, 2021: Notice of trial setting

• December 13, 2021: Order setting hearing

• December 29, 2021 – January 28, 2022: Multiple subpoenas issued; witness lists filed

• January 11, 2022: Multiple motions filed including motion to compel disclosure of exculpatory evidence

• January 19, 2022: State's witness list and expert witness list filed

• January 26, 2022: Pre-trial hearing before Judge Titiana Frausto

• February 1, 2022: Notice to file additional charge

• February 4, 2022: Notice of compliance with CCP Article 39.14

• February 14, 2022: Plea hearing; defendant waives jury, confrontation of witnesses, and enters plea of guilty

Conviction and Sentencing

On February 14, 2022, Joseph Michael Barrow appeared before Judicial Officer Titiana Frausto. The case was called and parties announced ready. The defendant waived jury, confrontation of witnesses, and entered a plea of guilty. The defendant was found to be mentally competent and his plea was found to be voluntary.

Evidence was received and the defendant was found guilty as charged in the indictment. Punishment was assessed at 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division (TDCJ-ID).

The defendant waived his right to appeal, was sentenced, and remanded to the Sheriff.

Confinement was ordered to commence on February 14, 2022.

Additional Court Documents

• Judgment of Conviction: Guilty plea entered; 25 years TDCJ-ID with Article 42.15 Addendum

• Bill of Cost: $365.00

• Abstract of Judgment: Issued

• Commitment Papers: Issued and forwarded to TDCJ

Case Timeline

• October 31, 2020 (Saturday): Shooting occurs at 1400 block of East Bonita Avenue; Kara Barrow transported to hospital and later dies; Joseph Barrow found at hotel on Canyon Drive and taken into custody by SWAT

• November 4, 2020: Complaint filed; warrant issued

• November 23, 2020: Indictment filed

• February 14, 2022: Guilty plea entered; sentenced to 25 years in TDCJ