The man accused of murdering his wife in their Aldie home last month made his first court appearance on Wednesday. Roger “Paul” Bradford, 60, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Lisa Bradford, 53, a prominent local real estate agent.
Bradford appeared via video feed from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center following his extradition from Pennsylvania. He told Judge Kelly King, “I will be representing myself. I don’t trust lawyers, they are the worst criminals,” FOX5 reported.
Bradford asked the court to clarify the murder charges against him. Kelly said the arresting documents stated second-degree murder. However, prosecutors clarified after the hearing that the initial warrant served as a placeholder, and that they intend to pursue first-degree murder.
During the hearing, Bradford also reportedly declined a bond hearing, telling King, “I’ll make it easy on you. I don’t want no bond hearing. I’m right where I need to be.” King then advised him not to make any further statements regarding the case.
Then King attempted to schedule an October 28 review hearing to confirm his defense representation. Bradford requested a different date, stating that October 28 was Lisa’s birthday. “I think I will be in psychosis that day,” he said. The judge then set the preliminary hearing for November 18. “I should be available, Your Honor,” he replied.
Case Background
Bradford is accused of shooting his wife, Lisa, in their Loudoun County home on September 22. He then called his sister and told her what he had done and asked her to pick up the couple’s daughter from high school. The Bradfords also have two children in college.
After calling his sister, police say Bradford left the residence in a rental car. After a search spanning Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, he was taken into custody later that day by Pennsylvania State Police.
According to a warrant, police searched the rental car Bradford was driving and found a journal with a list that “detailed several people Bradford planned to kill, one of which was his wife, Lisa,” Loudoun Now reported. Investigators also found zip ties, bullets, and casings at the couple’s home.
After Wednesday’s hearing, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Faw told reporters that Bradford is not new to incarceration. He referenced Bradford’s prior conviction of wire fraud in federal court. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised probation.
