Police: Murder Victim May Have Been Protecting Teen From Amber Alert Abduction Suspect
CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) -- Connellsville Police and state police are investigating a murder that may have led to the reported abduction of a teenage boy early Tuesday morning in Fayette County.
Police were first called to E. Fairview Avenue in Connellsville overnight for reports of multiple gunshots.
According to Connellsville Police, 52-year-old William Stewart was found dead around 2 a.m. at a home along the street. He is the victim of what police are calling an apparent homicide.
Connellsville Police say William Stewart III was gunned down on the back deck of his Connellsville home by a man intent on kidnapping the son of Stewart's girlfriend.
Investigators say 32-year-old Keith Bradshaw and alleged accomplice 38-year-old Marjorie Jay jumped the fence in Stewart's backyard with plans to kidnap 16-year-old Damion Mickey. However, Stewart surprised the two.
It's believed Stewart and the teen's mother were trying to protect Mickey from Bradshaw when an argument broke out on the back porch of the home, leading to Bradshaw allegedly shooting Stewart multiple times.
Not long after that, an Amber Alert was issued for 16-year-old Damion Mickey, who was last seen in the area of E. Fairview Avenue between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Police and family members say they believe the teenager may have been romantically involved with 35-year-old Keith Bradshaw, who investigators were looking for as part of the Amber Alert.
According to police and family, Bradshaw may have alleged been grooming Mickey. However, the teen may have started feeling uncomfortable with the situation.
"I was always afraid of him running away, I was afraid of this guy taking him away from me and me never seeing him again," said Mickey's mother and Stewart's girlfriend.
Connellsville Police say this man 52 year old William Stewart III was shot to death on the back back deck of his East Fairview Street Home.
Investigators say this alleged homicide also involved a potential Kindapping. pic.twitter.com/8WumOTaEMU— Ross Guidotti (@RossGuidotti) February 18, 2020
Following the shooting Bradshaw took off with Mickey in a white, four-door 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.
The two were later found by state police in Chambersburg. The Amber Alert was then cancelled.
"Eventually, state police in Chambersburg were able to locate the vehicle, apprehended one of the person's of interest, along with the juvenile," Cpl. Bryan Kendi, of Connellsville Police. "They have been taken into custody. We've also located the second person of interest. They have been taken into custody as well."
#Connellsville City, #Pennsylvania #AMBERAlert. For most current information, go to https://t.co/oAk01uTEJo
— AMBER Alert (@AMBERAlert) February 18, 2020
#Connellsville City, #Pennsylvania #AMBERAlert has been cancelled. https://t.co/TvzvotnTG0
— AMBER Alert (@AMBERAlert) February 18, 2020
The juvenile and adult are headed back to Connellsville. The teen is said to be unharmed and, despite the experience, is otherwise okay.
The investigation is ongoing.
Connellsville Police say there appears to be no risk to the public at this time.
Bradshaw And Jay are both charged with homicide and kidnapping. Jay is in the Fayette County Prison held without bond.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to called the Connellsville Police Department at 724-628-2501 ext. 110.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
