A new podcast documentary shows the shocking moment a 19-year-old tells police he has body parts stored in his closet from a homeless man he had brutally killed and dismembered, all because he wanted to know what murdering a person "felt like,"
Police body camera footage shows officers questioning Brian Cohee on March 1, 2021, in front of his shocked parents in front of the family home in Colorado.
Cohee killed Warren Barnes, 69, in 2021. He was convicted of murder in connection with the case.
The footage was released in the episode "Parents Discover Teen Son's Horrifying Secret" in the Explore with Us documentary series. It has 11 million views in a week on YouTube.
Cohee's mother had found the victim's decomposing hands in his wardrobe and the head in his closet.
As officers arrived they spoke to Cohee outside saying, "Your parents have concerns over some stuff they may have found in your room. What would that be?"
Cohee replies, "Yeah, I believe so. A human head and hands," Cohee replies.
Later when police officers ask why he did it, Cohee replies, "I always wondered what murder would feel like."
Cohee had attempted to get rid of the rest of Barnes' body at a boat ramp along the Colorado River.
In a formal police interview, Cohee said he picked Barnes because he thought no one would miss him.
But Barnes's death resonated in the Grand Junction community. Many were familiar with him and he was known for his love of reading. A memorial statue to honor Barnes was installed off of Main Street.
Cohee pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His attorneys tried to blame major depressive disorder, ADHD and autism caused him to become insane when he killed Barnes.
The prosecution argued Cohee's actions after the killing showed he understood the consequences of what he had done.
Two psychologists with the state concluded he was not insane.
A jury found Cohee guilty of first-degree murder in January 2023. He is serving a life sentence.
"Warren Barnes lost his life in the most violent of ways. His friends, family and community suffer his loss," said Trish Mahre, assistant district attorney.
