A Louisiana man was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, after allegedly driving for more than five hours with his wife's dead body in the passenger seat of his car. Tyronne Brazille, 50, was stopped during a traffic violation on Thursday, at which point officers discovered his wife, Lanessa Bradford, had been shot and killed.
Investigators believe the couple had an argument before Bradford's death. According to a longtime friend, Shelicka Decker, Bradford had been planning to leave Brazille and had saved money for the move. Decker stated that Bradford intended to leave her car and belongings behind and relocate, making contact with family out of state to facilitate her departure.
Decker also mentioned that the marriage had been strained and that Brazille had experienced mental health issues. She told WREG that Brazille had not physically harmed Bradford until recently, approximately two to three months prior to her death. She also reported that Brazille had previously threatened suicide if Bradford attempted to leave him.
Authorities reportedly found evidence that the couple was at Independence Community Park in Baton Rouge before Bradford was killed. Police stated that Brazille fled Louisiana after the incident and drove through multiple states before being apprehended in Memphis.
Bradford, 50, was an elementary school employee in Baton Rouge. The school requested a welfare check after she failed to appear for work for several days, which led to the discovery of her body. Decker described Bradford as a supportive individual who uplifted many in her community and expressed sorrow for the impact on both families and friends.
Brazille was taken into custody as a fugitive in Memphis and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana, where he is expected to face a murder charge. His court appearance is scheduled for Monday.