A chilling incident unfolded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, involving a Vietnam War veteran who tragically shot and killed his wife, later claiming he was unaware of her identity at the time of the incident. The veteran, 75-year-old Charles Bradley, attributes his actions to a PTSD-induced state, alleging he mistook his wife for an intruder.
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 2nd, when Bradley contacted emergency services, reporting his wife’s demise and expressing his potential involvement. Arriving at the scene, Tulsa police officers encountered a distraught Bradley outside his residence.
Tulsa police officers responding to a 911 call at a residence.
Bodycam footage captured the interaction between Bradley and the officers, where he appeared visibly shaken and distraught. He repeatedly mentioned his wife and claimed he was unarmed. Subsequently, officers took Bradley into custody for questioning.
Tulsa police officers speaking with Charles Bradley outside his home.
Inside the residence, officers discovered the lifeless body of Sandra Bradley, bearing multiple gunshot wounds. The grim discovery prompted them to pronounce her dead at the scene and initiate a thorough investigation.
As the investigation progressed, officers discovered spent rounds and shell casings inside the house, indicating the trajectory of the bullets and supporting Bradley’s claim of multiple shots fired. However, the murder weapon remained missing.
Tulsa police officers investigating a crime scene inside a residence.
Following his apprehension, officers informed Bradley of his Miranda rights before proceeding with their interrogation. During the interrogation, Bradley recounted his version of events, stating that he was awoken by his wife’s alarm at approximately 4:30 am. Upon realizing she wasn’t in bed, he proceeded towards the kitchen, assuming she was preparing coffee.
However, he encountered a blood-soaked scene upon reaching the hallway, finding his wife lying on the floor. In a state of panic, he stepped over her body to turn off her still-ringing phone before contacting emergency services.
Further questioning revealed inconsistencies in Bradley’s narrative, leading officers to suspect his involvement in the shooting. He initially claimed to have found his wife in the hallway but later altered his statement, placing her near the kitchen.
Despite the inconsistencies, Bradley maintained his innocence, claiming he had no recollection of shooting his wife. He attributed his fragmented memory to his PTSD, a diagnosis he received following his service in the Vietnam War.
Bradley revealed he experienced a vivid dream of being under mortar attack shortly before waking up to his wife’s alarm. He also mentioned being on medication and attending regular psychiatric appointments for his PTSD.
Recognizing the potential impact of Bradley’s PTSD on his actions, officers exercised empathy and allowed him to collect himself before resuming questioning. They acknowledged his military service and the invisible wounds he carried, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth.
Despite his cooperation, officers remained unconvinced by Bradley’s claims of unawareness and considered him a prime suspect in his wife’s murder. They transported him to the police station for further questioning and processing.
At the station, Bradley made a remark about the murder weapon, further deepening the officers’ suspicions. They placed him in a holding cell while they continued to piece together the events of that fateful morning.
Bradley has since pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charges levied against him, maintaining his stance of being unaware of his actions. He was released on a $1 million bond, with a requirement to wear a tracking device and adhere to a strict curfew.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many questioning the role of PTSD in violent crimes. While the investigation remains ongoing, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of war on veterans and the urgent need for accessible and comprehensive mental health care.
