2 charged with homicide in shooting, kidnapping that prompted Amber Alert
Two people were arrested and charged with homicide Tuesday after police said they killed a Connellsville man, abducted the teenage son of the victim’s girlfriend and prompted an Amber Alert that was canceled less than a hour later.
Fayette County authorities charged Keith Bradshaw, 31, of Everson, and Marjorie Jay, 37, of Connellsville, with criminal homicide in the death of William Stewart, 52, who was shot multiple times on the back porch of his East Fairview Avenue home.
In the affidavit of probable cause, police said Mr. Stewart “had an ongoing problem” with Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Jay. Police did not specify the nature of the problem, but said Mr.
Stewart had reported it to police.
Police also did not specify the relationship between Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Jay, but said the two conspired to “talk” to Damion Mickey, 16, who is described in the affidavit as being the son of Mr. Stewart’s girlfriend, who has not been named in court documents.
Ms. Jay told police that Mr. Bradshaw also brought along items to “tie up” Damion but told her he didn’t want “anyone to get hurt, just wanted to talk to him.” Based on the criminal complaint, it’s unclear why Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Jay wanted to kidnap the teen.
Police said the two suspects hopped a fence in Mr. Stewart’s yard. Mr. Stewart came out onto his porch to let his dogs out, saw Mr. Bradshaw and asked why he was there.
Ms. Jay told police that Mr. Bradshaw pulled out a gun and told Mr. Stewart to shut up. After an argument, Mr. Bradshaw “pulled the gun and shot Stewart multiple times.”
Ms. Jay said she and Mr. Bradshaw went into the house to get Damion. When police arrived shortly after the shooting, Ms. Jay was seen running from the house and was arrested, but Mr. Bradshaw had already driven way with Damion in
Mr. Bradshaw’s 2018 Chevrolet Malibu four-door sedan.
The alert was canceled about 45 minutes after it was issued when Connellsville police said Damion was found safe.
Connellsville police Cpl. Bryan Kendi said Pennsylvania State Police arrested Mr. Bradshaw in Chambersburg, Franklin County. “We were able to learn the whereabouts of his location, along with the juvenile, and notify state police in real time,” said Cpl. Kendi.
In addition to the homicide charges, Mr. Bradshaw and Ms. Jay also are charged with kidnapping and conspiracy related to both the homicide and kidnapping charges.
Ms. Jay is being held at the Fayette County Jail. Mr. Bradshaw has yet to be processed.