Knife Wielding Woman Indicted for Threatening Guy Listening to Tracy Chapman Music

SAN ANGELO— A San Angelo woman has been indicted for threatening a man listening to Tracy Chapman music.  

Julie Barnes, 42, of San Angelo, has been indicted by a Tom Green County grand jury for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon after threatening to kill the guy with a knife.

According to court documents, on December 7, 2023, San Angelo police were dispatched to the 1800 block of Twohig Avenue regarding a disturbance. Officers learned that the defendant, identified as Barnes, assaulted the man who was listening to Tracy Chapman music in his bedroom. Barnes asked the victim if he would update the insurance information.

Barnes became upset and began accusing the man of wanting to have sex with Tracy Chapman and that he should go and marry her. She threw a table, cigarettes, and tried to rip the insurance paperwork. Barnes left the room and went to retrieve something then returned with a knife and stuck it between the door frame and door. The man held the door closed and called 911 for assistance and believed that Barnes was having a mental breakdown, continuing to hold the door until police arrived.

When police arrived, they attempted to gain entry into the house and just as they were about to enter using force, officers spoke with the victim through the bedroom window. Then, the victim heard Barnes walking away and ran to officers outside.

Barnes was taken into custody and told officers where the knife was located.

When asked, the man said that Barnes had become increasingly violent over the 17 years he has known her and that she will not seek counseling treatment for these episodes.

Barnes was mirandized and said that the bedroom door was shut with the man holding it shut. She allegedly admitted to retrieving the knife and using it to enter the bedroom. She also repeatedly said she did not want to go to jail, and that the victim makes her this way. She advised that she has never been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

The scene was reviewed, and it was noted to have fresh markings between the door frame and the door that were caused by a knife. A five-to-six-inch serrated knife appeared to have fresh paint chips consistent with the markings on the door. The knife was taken as evidence.

Barnes was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail on December 7, 2023, and was released the next day on $25,000 bond. She is next due in court on April 2, 2024, and currently has a jury trial set for August 19, 2024.