Brian Cohee Jr.: The Case of Warren Barnes

Warren Barnes was a familiar face in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado, where locals knew him affectionately as "The Reading Man." When he suddenly disappeared in February 2021, people in the community quickly noticed he was missing.

The investigation eventually led authorities to Brian Cohee Jr., a local teenager whose home and vehicle became central to the case. As investigators looked deeper into his background, they also uncovered years of concerning behaviour that had previously been observed by family members, classmates and mental-health professionals.

In this episode of True Crime Recaps, we examine the Warren Barnes case, the investigation into Brian Cohee Jr., the evidence presented against him, his detailed statements to detectives and the insanity defence presented at his trial.

We also look at the extensive planning prosecutors said preceded the crime, why the jury rejected Cohee's insanity defence, and how Warren continues to be remembered by the Grand Junction community.

Brian Cohee Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder and related charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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