Patrick Theodore Barnett, the Lakewood man accused of killing his wife, a Jeffco Public Schools art teacher, made his first court appearance Friday morning as his wife’s family looked on.

The status conference hearing was held before District Court Judge Andrew Poland. Just before the hearing, Lindsey Barnett’s family members and close friends gathered outside the courtroom doors, hugging one another and offering tissues to those with tears in their eyes.

They filled the right side of the courtroom and watched as Patrick Barnett, 40, was led into the room, shackled and wearing a yellow “JCSO jail” jumpsuit. He appeared alongside his attorneys, Sarah Varty and Tyler Smith, who declined to comment following the short hearing that lasted about 10 minutes.

Lindsey’s family, the Otts, also issued their first public statement late Thursday, in which they said a GoFundMe had been established for Lindsey’s three children. It has raised nearly $38,000 as of midday Friday.

“Our family is heartbroken by the tragic death of our beloved daughter and sister, Lindsey Barnett,” the statement said. “Lindsey was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and teacher whose kindness and warmth touched countless lives. We find comfort in remembering her beautiful spirit, her love of nature and art and her unwavering devotion to her children.”

The Ott family thanked the First Judicial District Attorney’s office and the Lakewood Police Department for their support, and also said they were grateful for the “outpouring of support” from the community in the wake of Lindsey’s death. They also asked for privacy during what they described as an “incredibly difficult time.”

Lindsey Barnett, 37, was an art teacher for two elementary schools, Hutchinson and Westgate Elementary, in the JeffCo Public Schools district. She was found dead in her Lakewood home on Aug. 13 with a slit throat, according to Patrick Barnett’s arrest affidavit.

Patrick, her husband of five years, called 911 at about 6 a.m. to report that he had found his wife in the shower and claimed the wound, which police wrote was about five to six inches long, was self-inflicted.

During an interview with police, Barnett told Lakewood investigators that he and his wife had been having marital issues leading up to her death relating to differences in parenting styles, communication and a lack of intimacy. He also told police his wife had experienced both prepartum and postpartum depression, particularly within the last year since their son was born.

Barnett also initially denied any infidelity in their relationship, but later admitted to having an affair with a woman after she called police to request a welfare check on Patrick after not hearing from him.

Lindsey’s parents also told police that Patrick was “verbally abusive and controlling” and that he had “anger issues.”

Police found several inconsistencies with Patrick’s story and unexplained injuries to both him and Lindsey, the affidavit said. Namely, a large amount of blood was found in the couple’s bedroom, yet little was found in the bathroom, where Patrick claimed to have found his wife. Forensic evidence pointed to Lindsey having died in the bed before she was moved to the shower, the affidavit said.

Lindsey was also found with several bruises and cuts consistent with defensive wounds. Patrick also had a large number of fresh injuries, including scratch marks that police wrote were consistent with defensive fingernail scratches. Patrick also had apparent dried blood on his neck but had none on his hands despite his claims of moving his wife to attempt life-saving measures after finding her. 

Police arrested Patrick at about 7 p.m. on the same day his wife was found and brought him back for questioning. He claimed the various injuries on his body were old and sustained while playing ultimate Frisbee. Patrick Barnett was taken to the Jefferson County jail, where he remained Friday. He is being held without bond.

Patrick Barnett was charged by the First Judicial District Attorney’s office on Wednesday with first-degree murder and other felony charges, including evidence tampering and tampering with a dead body. 

He is due back in court on Sept. 14.

In a letter sent to the Hutchinson community, Lindsey was described as a “sweet soul” who was deeply passionate about teaching art.

“This loss has shaken our entire community, and our deepest sympathies, thoughts and care are with Lindsey’s family during this difficult time,” the letter said, which was signed by Hutchinson Elementary Principal DeAnn Hoffman.

Denver Gazette reporter Elizabeth Pond contributed to this story.