Roger Bradford, 60, faces charges including second-degree murder and a gun offense in connection with the death of his wife, Lisa Bradford, 54, who was found deceased in their $1.4 million Aldie, Virginia, home on September 22. Prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated, citing a journal discovered in Bradford's vehicle that contained a list of intended victims, including his wife.
The journal reportedly stated, "Lisa was to be killed on Tuesday," according to an affidavit from a detective. Authorities report that Bradford was arrested in Pennsylvania after fleeing the scene. He was extradited to Virginia earlier this week and appeared in court on Wednesday.
Evidence suggests Bradford meticulously planned the attack. On the morning of Lisa's death, he allegedly drove a rented Kia Sportage to a storage facility and then to a Home Depot, where security footage captured him purchasing 36-inch nylon zip ties. Detectives believe he arrived at the family home around 9 a.m., and the shooting occurred shortly thereafter. When deputies responded to the residence, they found Lisa lying face down in an upstairs bedroom with her hands bound behind her back. Multiple bullet casings were found at the scene, and the handgun used in the killing has not been recovered.
Following the alleged murder, Bradford reportedly called his sister-in-law, stating he had killed his wife and intended to harm himself. He asked her to collect their minor daughter to prevent her from discovering her mother's body. Instead of surrendering, Bradford fled in the rental car, leading authorities on a pursuit through Maryland into Pennsylvania, where he was apprehended by state police.
The couple's marriage had reportedly been under severe strain. Bradford had previously served 20 months in federal prison for wire fraud related to a construction kickback scheme. In a court declaration earlier this year, he wrote that his conviction had negatively impacted his finances and mental health, contributing to the marital difficulties. He described the prospect of divorce as "too much to bear."
Friends of Lisa Bradford, a realtor, described her as a devoted mother who "loved her children so much" and was known for her positive demeanor. A vigil was held in her memory, where a friend performed a cello piece Lisa had once expressed interest in learning.
During his court appearance, Bradford indicated a desire to represent himself and requested that a bond hearing be moved up, noting the original date would have fallen on his late wife's birthday.