Holly Springs: Son confesses to 911 from motel

Branden Barnes was arrested Thursday night after confessing to 911 dispatchers that he killed his mother, Dianne Jones, while staying at a local motel in Holly Springs, Georgia.

Police responded to the Pine Crest Motor Lodge on Holly Springs Parkway around 10:07 p.m. following a reported death. Dispatchers told responding units that Barnes admitted to the killing and specified where officers could find the victim.

Officers went to the motel and the secondary location Barnes identified. They took Barnes into custody and found Jones deceased at the second site. Investigators later transported Barnes to the Holly Springs Police Department for questioning before moving him to the Cherokee County Detention Center.

The Holly Springs Police Department stated the killing resulted from a domestic dispute rather than a random act of violence. Officials added that the incident was isolated and posed no danger to the public. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with crime scene processing.

Detectives have not released the cause of death or the exact address of the second location. Specific criminal charges against Barnes have also not been disclosed as the investigation continues.

Barnes remains held at the detention center awaiting formal processing and initial court appearances. Authorities said they will share additional details as the inquiry proceeds.