Dane County, Wisconsin – A Wisconsin man who chillingly described to friends how difficult it was to hide his girlfriend’s body in a pond has now admitted responsibility for her death, formally changing his plea in court.
Guilty Plea Entered in Brooke Strattan’s Death
James Barnes-Morris, 26, pleaded guilty on Monday to first-degree reckless homicide, acknowledging that his actions led to the death of his girlfriend, Brooke Strattan, 24. The plea marks a significant development in a case that shocked friends, investigators, and the local community due to the disturbing details surrounding Strattan’s disappearance and death.
Strattan was last seen alive on the morning of September 30, 2024, walking with Barnes-Morris. Several days later, her body was recovered from a retention pond in Dane County, ending a multi-day search and triggering Barnes-Morris’ arrest.
Troubled Relationship and Fears Before Her Disappearance
Court records reveal that the couple’s relationship had become volatile in the days leading up to Strattan’s disappearance. Witnesses told investigators that Barnes-Morris and Strattan were involved in a heated argument in front of friends just days earlier.
After the argument, Strattan reportedly left with another male friend and confided that she was afraid Barnes-Morris “was truly going to kill her.” Prosecutors later cited this statement as part of the broader pattern of domestic abuse that preceded her death.
Disturbing Confession to Friends
According to a police search warrant, Barnes-Morris appeared at a friend’s home just hours after he was last seen with Strattan. Detectives say his statements during that visit became central evidence in the case.
Investigators alleged Barnes-Morris told the friend:
“I had to get rid of her.”
He also reportedly said he “needed more bricks and rope” and complained that “the weeds made it hard” while attempting to dispose of Strattan’s body in the pond.
When questioned by police, the friend told officers that Barnes-Morris appeared wet, with bloody scratches on his legs, raising immediate suspicion that he had been in the water.
Arrest and Evidence Recovered
Barnes-Morris was located on October 3, 2024, the same day Strattan’s body was discovered. Police found him hiding in a friend’s basement.
At the time of his arrest, authorities say Barnes-Morris was in possession of Strattan’s phone and credit cards, further linking him to the crime and contradicting any claim that he had lost contact with her.
Charges and Plea Agreement
The Dane County District Attorney’s Office initially charged Barnes-Morris with:
- First-degree intentional homicide with a domestic abuse modifier
- First-degree reckless homicide with a domestic abuse modifier
Under the plea agreement entered Monday, prosecutors dropped the intentional homicide charge. Barnes-Morris instead pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, which still carries severe penalties under Wisconsin law.
Potential Sentence and Next Steps
At sentencing, Barnes-Morris faces up to 60 years in prison, according to court filings. A sentencing date has not yet been publicly announced.
Prosecutors emphasized that the domestic abuse modifier remains attached to the reckless homicide conviction, underscoring the violent nature of the relationship and Strattan’s documented fear prior to her death.
Community Impact and Domestic Violence Awareness
The case has renewed conversations in Dane County about recognizing warning signs of domestic violence. Advocates note that Strattan’s expressed fear days before her death highlights the importance of taking threats seriously and ensuring access to support resources for those in dangerous relationships.
Domestic violence experts stress that escalating arguments, threats, and controlling behavior can quickly turn deadly, particularly when victims attempt to leave or seek help.
Conclusion
James Barnes-Morris’ guilty plea brings legal accountability but little closure to the loss of Brooke Strattan, whose life was cut short amid a pattern of escalating violence. While the plea spares a trial, the details revealed in court have left a lasting impression on the community and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked domestic abuse.
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