Georgia man accused of murdering pregnant ex-girlfriend at domestic violence shelter
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, GEORGIA: Bradley Stokes, a 39-year-old Georgia man, has been arrested after he allegedly murdered his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Stokes apparently feared his ex would accuse him of domestic abuse and send him back to jail.
Stokes was arrested in Columbus on Saturday, September 2, after 37-year-old Treasure Hennessey’s body was found at Fort Mitchell Fire Station, which also serves as a safe house for domestic violence victims.
At around 12.15 am on Saturday, authorities received calls regarding a possible body at the fire station at the Black Bottom Road. Upon their arrival, officers found Hennessey suffering from several fatal stab wounds.
During a press conference, Russell County Sheriff, Heath Taylor, noted that the victim was around 8 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.
What are the charges against Bradley Stokes?
Stokes is currently facing capital murder charges, accused of killing Hennessy and the unborn child. He was also charged in the case for trying to flee and elude capture, according to Law & Crime.
Authorities noted that he and Hennessey began dating not long after he was released from prison.
As per court documents, he was released on June 2 after serving 14 years of a 16-year sentence for weapons charges and manslaughter in the 2008 shooting death of his girlfriend Crystal Bailey.
During the press conference, Taylor also released that Hennessey had filed at least two domestic violence reports against Stokes in the last two months.
In an effort to avoid Stokes, Hennessey was offered to stay at the fire station as a safe house, where her body was later found.
Why did Bradley Stokes kill Treasure Hennessey?
Investigators noted that Stokes discovered Hennessey’s location on Friday, September 1, and arrived at the shelter at around 8 pm. “I believe the evidence will show that Mr Stokes was waiting and hiding for her at that location,” Taylor said
After killing Hennessey, Strokes allegedly hid her vehicle behind a barn before escaping in his car.
“I believe that the evidence in this case will show Mr Stokes’ motive for this crime was he felt like Ms. Hennessy was going to sign a warrant for domestic violence on him which would violate his probation and send him back to prison for the remainder of his sentence,” Taylor said.
Investigators have recovered evidence including a knife believed to be the possible murder weapon, the vehicle Stokes was driving, and his cell phone.
Stokes is being held at the Muscogee County Jail awaiting extradition back to Russell County.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Russell County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact Investigator Jake Jackson at 334-664-9856.
