Brian Cohee seemed like any other 19-year-old. But on March 1, 2021, police entered his Colorado home and uncovered a horrifying secret: the severed head and hands of a homeless man, hidden in his closet. What drove this teenager to commit such a gruesome act—and what does it reveal about the mind of a killer so young?

The night before the grisly discovery, police had already been at the Cohee residence. Brian, who had only recently gotten his driver’s license at 18, had backed his car into the Colorado River after parking on a boat ramp. When the car was pulled from the water, officers noticed blood near the license plate, but they released the vehicle back to the family.

The following morning, a homeless man named Warren Barnes was reported missing after his wallet was found near the boat ramp. He hadn’t shown up for work and hadn’t been seen in several days. Growing suspicious, Brian’s mother, Terri Cohee, decided to search his room. She found two trash bags in his closet—one of them containing a human head.

Terrified, Terri called her husband, Brian Thomas Cohee, urging him to come home. After deliberating, the parents made the difficult decision to contact the authorities. When police arrived, the Cohees explained that Brian had long displayed a troubling fascination with death and mortality, leaving them deeply unsettled about what else he might have done.

The victim was soon identified as 69-year-old Warren Barnes, a beloved member of the downtown Grand Junction community.

A Chilling Confession

When questioned by police, Brian confessed with unsettling ease. He admitted to stabbing Warren Barnes to death with a kitchen knife on February 27, 2021. Brian revealed that he had spent six months meticulously planning the murder, fueled by a fascination with death. He specifically targeted either a homeless person or a sex worker, believing their absence would draw less attention.

According to Brian, the full moon on the night of the murder provided enough light to carry out his plan. He described a difficult time mentally, framing the act as the culmination of his spiraling thoughts. He found Barnes sleeping near Crosby Avenue and attacked him. Brian then dismembered the body at the crime scene, keeping the head and hands as trophies in his closet while disposing of the rest in the river.

Brian showed an eerie attention to detail. He wore three layers of gloves to avoid leaving evidence, knowing plastic gloves might tear. During his confession, he also admitted to killing a cat three years earlier and keeping its head for several days before discarding it.

A Beloved Victim

Warren Barnes was more than just a homeless man—he was a fixture of the downtown Grand Junction community. Described as kind, hardworking, and an avid reader, he was mourned by many who knew him. A memorial sculpture now stands in his honor, placed between Out West Books and Monique’s Bridal.

“Warren was a man who was loved by the community and family,” said his sister, Geraldine Shipp. “Nothing can replace Warren, but hopefully, Brian Cohee can never, ever have a chance to hurt someone else.”

Justice Served

In 2023, after a 12-day jury trial, Brian Cohee was found guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body, and tampering with evidence. The jury rejected his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with two additional sentences to be served concurrently.

During the trial, Brian’s mother, Terri, spoke about her son’s struggles:
“Brian does not think and feel like the rest of us,” she said. “He was a child who had the odds stacked against him from the beginning… a child who has struggled his entire life with emotions.”

Reflections on a Troubling Case

This case is as chilling as it is tragic. Brian’s young age, his meticulous planning, and his lack of remorse paint a portrait of a deeply disturbed individual. The signs of his violent tendencies—such as his fascination with death and his history of animal cruelty—were there, but no one intervened before it was too late.

Kudos must be given to his parents, who made the agonizing decision to turn their son in. It’s undoubtedly the hardest thing they will ever have to do, but their bravery ensured justice for Warren Barnes and helped prevent Brian from claiming more victims.

What causes someone like Brian to commit such atrocities? Was this the result of an unchecked mental health disorder, a dark fascination spiraling out of control, or something else entirely? Brian said he wanted to know what it felt like to kill—but why did he feel that desire when most people don’t?

This case leaves us grappling with those questions. Was it a sudden descent into darkness, or were the signs always there? Cracked Reflections will continue to explore these disturbing stories, one case at a time.

Welcome to Cracked Reflections, where we dive into the dark corners of the human mind and piece together the puzzles of true crime. Here, it’s not just about the who or the how—but the why.

Through case studies, psychological analysis, and a profiler’s perspective, I’ll explore what makes people tick—and what makes them break. Get ready for gripping stories, thoughtful insights, and a deep dive into the fractured mirrors of human behavior.

Our first case is coming soon, but until then, take a look around, check out the About Page, and get ready to reflect.