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[Narrator] A single mother
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finds love
with a wealthy doctor.
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[Corey] Things were going really
well for them.
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They lived a lavish lifestyle.
They had a successful business.
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We're gonna be rich,
we're gonna to be well-known;
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life's gonna be great.
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[Narrator] Until
their fairytale life
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suddenly erupts with
a violent death.
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She was hysterical.
She had blood on her.
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She was frantic.
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We were being told it was
spousal abuse
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and one was defending herself.
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[Narrator] As detectives talk
to witnesses,
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they wonder who is telling
the truth.
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He believed someone was
tryin' to harm him.
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And he didn't know who it was.
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My experience tells me that
there's more to this story
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than what they're tellin' me.
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[Narrator] But when
a young witness
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finally breaks her silence,
is it too late?
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The women are plotting to kill
some of the key witnesses.
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She had a way of getting people
to do what she wanted.
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She scared the daylights
outta me.
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They suggested that I didn't go
anywhere until after the trial.
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So, I started lookin' over
my shoulder all the time.
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She just wanted to cause chaos.
She wanted prestige.
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She wanted
anything she could get
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at any way she was gonna get it.
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[music]
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[Narrator] March 28th, 1980.
Melbourne, Florida.
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It's 6:15 P.M. when
the Melbourne Police Department
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receives a panic-stricken
911 call.
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[Robert] They received a call
from a Priscilla Bradford.
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Who was hysterical on the phone,
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sayin' that she had killed
her husband.
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[Narrator] Officers are
dispatched,
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and they quickly arrive at
the home of
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36-year-old Priscilla Bradford.
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[Bobby] When the officer arrived
on the scene,
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Mrs. Bradford had blurted out,
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"I killed him,
or I had to kill him.
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It was self defense."
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[Narrator] As they get further
into the home,
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officers find Priscilla
is not alone.
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[Robert] The officer sees that
there's four people,
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all three women were identified.
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Eden being the,
Priscilla Bradford's daughter.
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Joyce Cummings and
Janice Gould were identified as
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employees and friends of
Priscilla Bradford.
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I remember little snippets where
the cops had arrived...
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And I was sitting on the couch.
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In my mind, I still didn't
grasp the reality,
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the enormity of this.
That this is real.
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[Robert] Priscilla had bruising
on the face.
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She had a cut on her left arm.
The other two girls had bruises.
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[Narrator] As officers search
the home,
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they quickly discover the body
of Priscilla's husband,
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53-year-old John Bradford.
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[Robert] They found him near
the kitchen on the floor,
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layin' on his back.
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He was dead.
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He had several injuries to
his head and torso, upper torso.
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[Eden] I saw the whole scene.
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I saw John.
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He had a significant amount of
blood loss from the head,
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and facial injuries
he sustained.
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It was horrific.
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It, it really was.
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It was a,
it was just a bloody mess.
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He was unrecognizable.
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[Narrator]
The officers summon detectives
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to the chaotic scene.
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[Robert] All we know right then
and there
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is that we have a one person
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laying dead on the floor
of his home.
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And that Priscilla Bradford
hysterically is sayin'
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she had to do it to
defend herself.
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[Bobby] You start breakin'
everything down
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and see if everything fits
together,
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the stories that are
bein' told to you.
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There's so many different things
going on and,
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and it's like a big giant puzzle
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and you gotta put all
the pieces together.
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[music]
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[Narrator] John Bradford was
born in 1926,
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in Crowell, Texas.
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[Eden] My stepfather,
Doctor John Bradford,
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was from a very large family.
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These were really devout,
strong Texan men.
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Good caliber of people.
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Given that strong work ethic,
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John decided to pursue
a career in the medical field.
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[Narrator] After obtaining
a degree in optometry,
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John moved to Florida
with his first wife,
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where he opened
his first practice.
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[Eden] His office was in
Melbourne, Florida.
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His focus was to
make sure people could see well.
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And he would do anything
he could to help them.
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[Narrator] After almost 30 years
of marriage
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and having raised two kids
together,
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John and his first wife
divorced.
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[Eden I think that that was
amicable
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because they had
children together.
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Of course, they were grown.
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But he and his ex-wife would
remain in contact.
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[Narrator] Even after
splitting his assets,
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by then, John was a wealthy ma.
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Dr. Bradford had a lucrative and
successful practice
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as an optometrist.
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And he liked what he did.
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[Narrator] In 1976,
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one patient in particular
caught his eye.
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A striking young woman named
Priscilla Hadley.
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[Eden] My mother Priscilla went
to go see him
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to get an eye exam
and get her glasses.
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And that's how they met.
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And they started dating pretty
quickly after.
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[Narrator] Priscilla Hadley was
born in 1943
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in Newark, New Jersey
to Mildred and Ronald Hadley.
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Growing up, I think my mother
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had a good relationship
with her parents.
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She adored her dad and her mom.
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[Narrator] In her early 20s,
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Priscilla left the comfort of
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her parents' sprawling
New Jersey home
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to take on the role
of an army wife.
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On January 11th, 1966,
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Priscilla gave birth to
a daughter, Eden.
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[Eden] My parents met sometime
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in the northeast of the country
back probably around 1965.
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I was born in January of '66.
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My father was
still active duty in the army,
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so we moved to Florida
sometime in the mid '70s.
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My dad was gone a lot.
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You know, early, early.
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But by the time I started going
to school,
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I think he had
remained stateside.
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[Narrator] After over
ten years together,
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the marriage was falling apart.
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And by the time Eden was 11,
the couple divorced.
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I don't know what faltered
between my mother and my father
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leading to their divorce.
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But I don't ever remember
anything really bad.
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I was going into
the sixth grade,
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my mother was
going through her divorce.
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And Doctor Bradford went
through his divorce.
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And they met in the middle.
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[Corey] Priscilla was
a beautiful woman.
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They started spending all
their time together.
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And then, you know,
a few months later,
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by November of '77,
they were married.
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I liked him.
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You know, he was
a really neat guy.
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And he really, really worked
hard at including me.
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You know, as a member of
his family.
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[Narrator] After the wedding,
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Priscilla and Eden moved
into John's house.
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Priscilla quickly became
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an integral part
of John's business.
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Dr. Bradford was
real attracted to
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my mother's business sense,
entrepreneurship,
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her ideas and
thoughts about things.
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[Narrator] John brought
Priscilla in
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as a partial owner.
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Together, they expanded
the practice.
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[Bobby] Dr. Bradford is not only
a doctor,
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but he had the lab there that
created the,
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you know, lenses for glasses
and things of that nature.
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[Jeffery] It was one of the only
labs in town,
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and I think that they were
bringin' in some money.
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Pretty good money.
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Dr. Bradford's role in
the lab was that of,
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he was the owner,
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and he was the doctor
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that we were generally making
lenses for at the lab.
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My mother was just so enthralled
by this whole idea,
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this whole fairytale
she had in her head.
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"I'm gonna marry a doctor,
we're gonna run a lab,
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we're gonna be rich,
life's gonna be great."
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[Corey] Things were goin' great
for John and Priscilla.
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They were living a lavish life.
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They were partyin',
runnin' a successful business,
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before it all came crashing
down.
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[Narrator] Now, less than three
years into their marriage,
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the bride has killed the groom.
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Priscilla Bradford,
she's hysterical.
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She's in shock.
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The officers also see three
other women in the house.
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Janice Gould, 34,
and Joyce Cummings, 18.
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They are both employees at
the optometry lab.
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And also there is Priscilla's
teenage daughter, Eden.
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[Narrator] When detectives
arrive,
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the women are being tended to
by paramedics.
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[Corey] Priscilla has
a two-inch cut on her wrist.
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She's got some bruising
on her face.
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And she's covered in blood.
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[Robert] Joyce and Janice
had bruises.
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The injuries were minor.
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Nothing that was,
that I know of,
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was showing any blood.
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Priscilla, she was sayin' she
had to defend herself.
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The other girls that were there
were stating that, you know,
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they were trying to
restrain him.
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Because according to them,
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he was gonna kill
Priscilla Bradford.
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[Narrator] A look at the scene
around John's body
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backs up Priscilla's claims
of a violent confrontation.
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The house was also in disarray.
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Broken glass,
things were thrown around.
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There was a steel skillet
frying pan that was broken
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layin' near him.
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00:11:05,131 --> 00:11:08,601
There was a bottle capper
as well near his body.
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[Narrator] Although the women
insist this was self defense,
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00:11:14,908 --> 00:11:19,245
detectives have to dig further
to corroborate their claims.
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00:11:20,113 --> 00:11:22,882
[Robert] Lookin' at the scene of
his body,
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00:11:22,916 --> 00:11:25,185
they observed the frying pan.
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The bottom had
been broken out of.
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00:11:27,420 --> 00:11:31,391
I guess that's what they used to
strike Dr. Bradford with.
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It's a heavy metal skillet.
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It would surprise
the detectives,
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00:11:36,229 --> 00:11:38,365
because it would take a lot
of force
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to break that frying pan
in half.
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You would have to strike
continually, several times.
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It appeared excessive,
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because she might have felt that
she needed more force
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because he's a man.
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But you know, would it be
suspicious?
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Yes.
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And my experience tells me that
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00:11:59,953 --> 00:12:03,656
there's more to this story than
what they're tellin' me.
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[Narrator] Coming up.
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00:12:08,528 --> 00:12:11,698
Detectives encounter
alarming behavior...
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[Eden] My grandmother elbowed me
and kinda went,
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"Shh.
You talk too much."
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[Narrator] And the truth
begins to unfold.
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They just didn't get along
at all.
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00:12:22,542 --> 00:12:26,479
One time I do remember her
saying that he slapped her.
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[music]
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00:12:40,226 --> 00:12:43,096
[Narrator] Detectives with
the Melbourne Police Department
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00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:44,898
are investigating the death
241
00:12:44,931 --> 00:12:48,968
of 53-year-old optometrist,
John Bradford.
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00:12:49,836 --> 00:12:51,504
John's wife, Priscilla,
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00:12:51,771 --> 00:12:55,342
claims she and her two friends,
Janice and Joyce,
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00:12:55,375 --> 00:12:58,445
fought back after
John attacked her.
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00:12:58,678 --> 00:13:01,047
[Eden] After the police arrived,
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00:13:01,047 --> 00:13:03,683
all of us ended up
at the hospital.
247
00:13:04,150 --> 00:13:09,756
My grandparents
also arrived at the hospital,
248
00:13:09,789 --> 00:13:12,559
and believe I went home
with them.
249
00:13:16,329 --> 00:13:17,464
[Narrator] At the ER,
250
00:13:17,497 --> 00:13:20,166
Priscilla, Joyce, and Janice
are separated
251
00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:22,369
and examined by doctors.
252
00:13:23,570 --> 00:13:26,673
[Robert] Priscilla got cut
during the confrontation.
253
00:13:26,706 --> 00:13:29,476
The doctor at the hospital wants
to take a picture of it
254
00:13:29,509 --> 00:13:32,312
to just document
that she was injured.
255
00:13:32,679 --> 00:13:36,082
[Narrator] After receiving
five stitches on her wrist,
256
00:13:36,082 --> 00:13:39,486
a detective meets with
Priscilla in her room.
257
00:13:39,986 --> 00:13:42,322
Priscilla says that
earlier that day,
258
00:13:42,355 --> 00:13:44,090
she had been hanging
with her friends,
259
00:13:44,090 --> 00:13:49,829
18-year-old Joyce Cummings
and 34-year-old Janice Gould.
260
00:13:50,330 --> 00:13:53,800
[Eden] Janice Gould worked for
my mother at the lab,
261
00:13:53,833 --> 00:13:58,104
and Joyce Cummings was also just
another regular lab employee.
262
00:13:58,672 --> 00:14:00,874
Making glasses, running errands.
263
00:14:01,641 --> 00:14:05,045
[Corey] Priscilla had invited
Joyce and Janice over for drinks
264
00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:06,813
and to spend some time
at the pool.
265
00:14:06,846 --> 00:14:10,350
And they were gonna leave before
John Bradford came home.
266
00:14:10,383 --> 00:14:12,318
He was expected home at 8:00,
267
00:14:12,352 --> 00:14:14,854
but he ended up coming
home at 5:30.
268
00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:20,860
[Narrator] Priscilla says when
she went inside to meet John,
269
00:14:20,894 --> 00:14:25,098
it was clear an argument
they had earlier was lingering.
270
00:14:25,699 --> 00:14:27,767
[Robert] Priscilla says earlier
in the day,
271
00:14:27,801 --> 00:14:29,069
before he went to work,
272
00:14:29,102 --> 00:14:31,204
they got into a big argument.
273
00:14:32,305 --> 00:14:35,075
[Eden] So my mother had called
Dr. Bradford and said,
274
00:14:35,108 --> 00:14:38,545
"I've got some real nice steaks.
We're gonna have steaks tonight.
275
00:14:38,578 --> 00:14:40,313
We can talk about things."
276
00:14:40,980 --> 00:14:43,416
[Robert] So when he sees
who's in the house,
277
00:14:43,450 --> 00:14:44,784
he becomes irate.
278
00:14:45,618 --> 00:14:49,289
[Eden] Janice and Joyce heard
my mother yelling for help.
279
00:14:49,889 --> 00:14:55,261
And that they ran into the house
and saw that he was hitting her.
280
00:14:55,628 --> 00:14:59,099
They observe Dr. Bradford with
the bottle capper,
281
00:14:59,132 --> 00:15:01,634
about to strike
Priscilla Bradford.
282
00:15:02,268 --> 00:15:05,138
Priscilla said Janice steps
in the way somehow,
283
00:15:05,171 --> 00:15:07,774
tryin' to assist her.
284
00:15:10,477 --> 00:15:11,945
And he's continuing.
285
00:15:12,045 --> 00:15:16,282
Then all three women try to get
him down just to make him stop.
286
00:15:19,052 --> 00:15:21,154
[Narrator] Priscilla says
they fought John off
287
00:15:21,187 --> 00:15:24,057
until he was unconscious
on the floor...
288
00:15:26,526 --> 00:15:29,462
At which point,
Eden came out of her room.
289
00:15:29,829 --> 00:15:32,132
She says that Eden didn't see
anything.
290
00:15:32,165 --> 00:15:35,502
She was takin' a shower
and the stereo was going.
291
00:15:38,104 --> 00:15:40,740
[Narrator] When investigators
attempt to speak with
292
00:15:40,774 --> 00:15:41,975
Joyce and Janice,
293
00:15:42,075 --> 00:15:45,078
they find the women
are still in shock.
294
00:15:46,079 --> 00:15:47,781
[Robert] The injuries were
minor,
295
00:15:47,814 --> 00:15:50,650
but they appeared at the time
to be so upset.
296
00:15:50,684 --> 00:15:53,687
So, they told 'em
to go home, relax,
297
00:15:53,953 --> 00:15:56,623
and to come in the next day
and give a statement.
298
00:16:00,527 --> 00:16:02,028
[Narrator] Back at the station,
299
00:16:02,028 --> 00:16:05,098
detectives learn that police had
been summoned to the home
300
00:16:05,131 --> 00:16:08,435
several times by Priscilla and
John.
301
00:16:08,468 --> 00:16:11,338
In fact, they learn Priscilla
reported
302
00:16:11,371 --> 00:16:14,741
the most recent incident
that same morning.
303
00:16:15,542 --> 00:16:17,844
[Bobby] She was bruised and, and
battered.
304
00:16:17,877 --> 00:16:20,880
And she wanted to file a report
against her husband,
305
00:16:20,914 --> 00:16:22,449
Dr. Bradford.
306
00:16:23,183 --> 00:16:26,720
Domestic violence was treated
quite differently than it,
307
00:16:27,053 --> 00:16:29,055
than it is today.
308
00:16:29,556 --> 00:16:33,126
First of all, the, the victim
had to file a complaint
309
00:16:33,159 --> 00:16:35,061
against the person.
310
00:16:35,061 --> 00:16:39,466
Then there was a follow up on
the complaint itself.
311
00:16:39,499 --> 00:16:42,535
However, today, if the wife had
a bloody lip
312
00:16:42,569 --> 00:16:46,973
and she accused her husband
or live-in boyfriend of,
313
00:16:47,073 --> 00:16:48,508
of assaulting her,
314
00:16:48,541 --> 00:16:51,544
he would immediately be
arrested by law.
315
00:16:51,578 --> 00:16:53,346
Taken into custody.
316
00:16:53,980 --> 00:16:55,582
[Narrator] Before police were
317
00:16:55,615 --> 00:16:58,385
able to follow up on
Priscilla's complaint,
318
00:16:58,418 --> 00:17:01,021
Dr. Bradford was dead.
319
00:17:01,721 --> 00:17:03,456
The detectives found out that
320
00:17:03,490 --> 00:17:06,693
there had been problems
with the marriage.
321
00:17:06,926 --> 00:17:11,297
There had been domestic violence
accused on both sides.
322
00:17:15,068 --> 00:17:16,569
[Narrator] The day after
the murder,
323
00:17:16,603 --> 00:17:20,907
detectives sit down with Janice
and Joyce at the station.
324
00:17:21,608 --> 00:17:23,109
They start with Joyce,
325
00:17:23,143 --> 00:17:24,577
and she tells detectives
326
00:17:24,611 --> 00:17:28,381
she and Janice arrived at
Bradford's around 4 P.M.
327
00:17:28,415 --> 00:17:31,051
with plans to hang by the pool.
328
00:17:32,052 --> 00:17:34,888
Joyce and Janice said they were
out by the pool
329
00:17:35,121 --> 00:17:37,557
when they heard John Bradford
come home.
330
00:17:37,957 --> 00:17:40,060
And the two began arguing.
331
00:17:40,093 --> 00:17:43,063
They go running in to,
to see what's going on.
332
00:17:43,096 --> 00:17:47,434
They describe Dr. Bradford
as raging, aggressive,
333
00:17:47,467 --> 00:17:48,868
a man possessed.
334
00:17:49,169 --> 00:17:51,504
Screaming that he's,
he's gonna kill 'em.
335
00:17:52,072 --> 00:17:54,507
[Robert] I have a lot of
problems with her statement.
336
00:17:54,808 --> 00:17:56,142
It's just unbelievable.
337
00:17:56,409 --> 00:17:59,112
It's more like ranting and
raving than,
338
00:17:59,145 --> 00:18:01,548
than an actual incident.
339
00:18:02,015 --> 00:18:03,483
It's like it's prepared.
340
00:18:03,850 --> 00:18:08,288
We were concerned that there's
something more to this story
341
00:18:08,321 --> 00:18:10,323
than what everybody's saying.
342
00:18:10,357 --> 00:18:13,293
Maybe they're establishing
343
00:18:13,326 --> 00:18:16,329
alibies for things that are,
344
00:18:16,363 --> 00:18:17,797
that are about to happen.
345
00:18:17,831 --> 00:18:22,268
And we needed to take a step
back and just check things out
346
00:18:22,302 --> 00:18:26,473
before, you know, jumping to
a conclusion that this is a,
347
00:18:26,506 --> 00:18:28,274
a self defense case.
348
00:18:30,744 --> 00:18:33,313
[Narrator] After getting both
women on the record,
349
00:18:33,346 --> 00:18:34,647
that same day,
350
00:18:34,681 --> 00:18:37,050
detectives circle back
to Priscilla.
351
00:18:37,784 --> 00:18:41,454
Detectives felt like they need
to re-interview Priscilla.
352
00:18:41,855 --> 00:18:44,491
So they went to
the Hadley residence,
353
00:18:44,524 --> 00:18:47,060
which is the parents of
Priscilla Bradford.
354
00:18:47,694 --> 00:18:49,195
[Narrator] But when they arrive,
355
00:18:49,229 --> 00:18:53,366
they find two familiar
but unexpected faces.
356
00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:58,204
Janice and Joyce were at
the residence of the Hadley's
357
00:18:58,672 --> 00:18:59,873
when they arrived.
358
00:19:02,375 --> 00:19:05,045
We thought they were bein'
extremely odd
359
00:19:05,078 --> 00:19:09,149
after taking the statements of
Janice and Joyce,
360
00:19:09,182 --> 00:19:12,519
that they would be at
the Hadley residence.
361
00:19:12,552 --> 00:19:17,257
They must be telling Priscilla
what they said to the police.
362
00:19:18,725 --> 00:19:21,361
[Narrator] Detectives consider
the possibility
363
00:19:21,394 --> 00:19:26,599
that the women might be making
sure their stories line up.
364
00:19:27,434 --> 00:19:30,704
We're startin' to have concerns
about what...
365
00:19:32,172 --> 00:19:35,842
Priscilla, Janice
and, and Joyce are saying.
366
00:19:36,242 --> 00:19:38,044
It seems awful convenient that
367
00:19:38,078 --> 00:19:40,714
they're always in cahoots with
each other,
368
00:19:40,747 --> 00:19:43,049
they're always with each other.
369
00:19:46,553 --> 00:19:49,589
[Narrator] Priscilla repeats
her account of the murder.
370
00:19:50,090 --> 00:19:53,560
Priscilla Bradford's claiming
that he was abusing her.
371
00:19:54,461 --> 00:19:57,230
And that day, she was fightin'
for her life.
372
00:19:58,264 --> 00:19:59,866
[Narrator] But as they talk,
373
00:19:59,899 --> 00:20:03,069
detectives note some
concerning body language
374
00:20:03,103 --> 00:20:06,806
between Eden and
Priscilla's mother, Mildred.
375
00:20:07,774 --> 00:20:10,243
[Eden] I don't recall everything
that they were askin' me,
376
00:20:10,276 --> 00:20:14,681
but I remember my grandmother
elbowed me and kinda went, "Shh.
377
00:20:14,714 --> 00:20:17,017
Talk too much.
Quiet."
378
00:20:18,451 --> 00:20:22,956
[Robert] Seeing the grandmother
try to control Eden's statement,
379
00:20:23,623 --> 00:20:27,060
now it seems that they're tryin'
to hide something.
380
00:20:27,093 --> 00:20:31,931
So, we would be worried about
how to break this case open.
381
00:20:31,965 --> 00:20:35,568
Because as long as they stick to
their domestic violence story,
382
00:20:35,602 --> 00:20:39,172
the self defense claim would
probably stick.
383
00:20:41,708 --> 00:20:44,477
[Narrator] Detectives pay
a visit to the optical lab,
384
00:20:44,744 --> 00:20:47,147
hoping the employees might
shed some light
385
00:20:47,180 --> 00:20:50,984
on the relationship between
Dr. Bradford and Priscilla.
386
00:20:51,618 --> 00:20:57,624
There was animosity between
Priscilla and her husband.
387
00:20:57,857 --> 00:21:01,161
I do remember her saying
that he slapped her.
388
00:21:01,628 --> 00:21:04,764
There was talk of it,
but no one ever saw any evidence
389
00:21:04,798 --> 00:21:08,668
of Priscilla being beaten or
bruised or anything.
390
00:21:12,072 --> 00:21:14,808
[Narrator] Employees say that
rumors were flying
391
00:21:14,841 --> 00:21:17,944
that John was preparing
to leave her.
392
00:21:18,511 --> 00:21:20,313
Dr. Bradford was seeking
393
00:21:20,347 --> 00:21:22,716
a divorce from
Priscilla Bradford.
394
00:21:23,083 --> 00:21:25,385
It was known
amongst the employees.
395
00:21:25,418 --> 00:21:29,289
They said Priscilla also tried
to file for divorce,
396
00:21:29,656 --> 00:21:32,192
but later changed her mind
397
00:21:32,225 --> 00:21:34,494
because it would not
be profitable
398
00:21:34,527 --> 00:21:36,796
for her to get a divorce.
399
00:21:37,697 --> 00:21:41,201
[Narrator] And then,
a bombshell is dropped.
400
00:21:41,701 --> 00:21:43,970
[Corey] One of the employees
told detectives
401
00:21:44,004 --> 00:21:46,973
that Priscilla
had been plotting ways
402
00:21:47,007 --> 00:21:50,143
to get out of her marriage
and hang onto the lab.
403
00:21:50,176 --> 00:21:51,911
[Robert] Then you start to
question
404
00:21:51,945 --> 00:21:53,980
what Priscilla Bradford's
saying.
405
00:21:54,014 --> 00:21:58,351
Okay, now, we're gettin' to
the real core of what happened.
406
00:22:00,553 --> 00:22:01,888
[Narrator] Coming up.
407
00:22:01,921 --> 00:22:04,691
Detectives uncover
ruthless attempts
408
00:22:04,724 --> 00:22:07,227
to gain control of the lab...
409
00:22:07,694 --> 00:22:10,063
One of the ways they were
talking were
410
00:22:10,330 --> 00:22:13,066
about planting
drugs in his vehicle.
411
00:22:13,066 --> 00:22:16,736
[Narrator] And a witness reveals
shocking details.
412
00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:19,773
[Eden] They took an 8x10
color photo
413
00:22:19,806 --> 00:22:22,175
that was just his head
and his face.
414
00:22:22,208 --> 00:22:24,511
And that was that.
I lost it.
415
00:22:24,544 --> 00:22:29,883
[music]
416
00:22:38,358 --> 00:22:40,760
[Narrator] Two days into
the investigation,
417
00:22:40,794 --> 00:22:44,097
Florida detectives are growing
suspicious of
418
00:22:44,097 --> 00:22:45,765
Priscilla Bradford's claims
419
00:22:45,799 --> 00:22:51,104
that she and two coworkers,
Joyce Cummings and Janice Gould,
420
00:22:51,104 --> 00:22:54,974
killed her husband John
in self defense.
421
00:22:55,909 --> 00:22:58,378
Investigators look into
statements
422
00:22:58,411 --> 00:23:00,380
of an impending divorce.
423
00:23:01,281 --> 00:23:04,918
[Eden] I never heard anything
vicious come out of John's mouth
424
00:23:04,951 --> 00:23:06,486
about the divorce.
425
00:23:07,554 --> 00:23:10,290
My mother, on the other hand?
426
00:23:10,323 --> 00:23:12,926
Oh, boy.
She was just very rude.
427
00:23:12,959 --> 00:23:15,695
I mean, she would say this stuff
in front of
428
00:23:15,729 --> 00:23:18,298
technically his employees.
429
00:23:21,935 --> 00:23:25,805
One of the coworkers heard
Janice, Joyce, and Priscilla
430
00:23:25,839 --> 00:23:28,575
talking were about planting
drugs on him.
431
00:23:29,509 --> 00:23:30,777
[Jeffery] Later, I found out
432
00:23:30,810 --> 00:23:34,180
that the drugs were going to be
planted in John's car.
433
00:23:34,214 --> 00:23:37,083
In order that they could then
call the police
434
00:23:37,083 --> 00:23:39,819
and have him arrested for
carrying these drugs around.
435
00:23:40,787 --> 00:23:44,090
So, they decided to search
Dr. Bradford's car
436
00:23:44,124 --> 00:23:46,493
and see if the drugs had been
planted there.
437
00:23:49,162 --> 00:23:51,631
[Narrator] When detectives
search John's vehicle,
438
00:23:51,664 --> 00:23:54,100
the rumors are confirmed.
439
00:23:54,834 --> 00:23:57,804
They found the drugs
underneath the seat.
440
00:23:58,471 --> 00:24:02,375
Now detectives are dealing with
three women
441
00:24:02,942 --> 00:24:06,312
that are conspiring together.
442
00:24:06,346 --> 00:24:11,151
What else would they do to
discredit or kill him?
443
00:24:13,687 --> 00:24:17,490
[Narrator] As investigators'
suspicions of Priscilla grow,
444
00:24:17,524 --> 00:24:19,292
Dr. Bradford's divorce attorney
445
00:24:19,325 --> 00:24:24,197
reaches out to detectives with
some startling information.
446
00:24:25,365 --> 00:24:27,267
[Robert] John told his attorney
447
00:24:27,300 --> 00:24:29,135
that he believed
Priscilla Bradford
448
00:24:29,169 --> 00:24:30,570
was tryin' to kill him.
449
00:24:33,406 --> 00:24:35,175
[Narrator] John's attorney
tells them that
450
00:24:35,208 --> 00:24:37,644
in the months leading up to
John's death,
451
00:24:37,677 --> 00:24:40,347
he became terrified of
Priscilla.
452
00:24:40,980 --> 00:24:44,084
[Eden] He was tryin' to stay
away as much as possible.
453
00:24:44,084 --> 00:24:45,852
Every time he'd show up,
454
00:24:45,885 --> 00:24:48,655
there's my mother tellin'
him how it's gonna be.
455
00:24:48,688 --> 00:24:52,092
She would cut John down and
bad-mouth him.
456
00:24:53,326 --> 00:24:55,929
[Narrator] Just one month
prior to his murder,
457
00:24:56,262 --> 00:24:59,866
John's attorney says John felt
worried enough
458
00:24:59,899 --> 00:25:01,868
to adjust his will.
459
00:25:02,902 --> 00:25:04,504
[Robert] According to the will,
460
00:25:04,738 --> 00:25:08,875
Dr. Bradford removes
Priscilla Bradford as having
461
00:25:08,908 --> 00:25:13,780
any ownership of the business,
and any ownership of the house.
462
00:25:14,047 --> 00:25:17,717
And that he leaves of his assets
to his daughter.
463
00:25:22,088 --> 00:25:23,857
[Narrator] After
changing his will,
464
00:25:23,890 --> 00:25:27,127
his attorney says John wasn't
completely ready
465
00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:29,129
to give up on his family.
466
00:25:30,096 --> 00:25:34,567
But on March 7th, three weeks
before John's murder,
467
00:25:34,601 --> 00:25:38,805
the attorney received
a desperate phone call from hi.
468
00:25:40,540 --> 00:25:44,878
[Robert] John Bradford had
reported that he had been
469
00:25:44,911 --> 00:25:48,281
struck in the head in his office
with a 2x4.
470
00:25:49,115 --> 00:25:52,419
He heard a woman's shoes,
like a clicking sound.
471
00:25:52,452 --> 00:25:53,987
Like a woman walkin' away.
472
00:25:54,587 --> 00:25:57,724
[Narrator] His attorney says
John believed it was Priscilla,
473
00:25:57,757 --> 00:26:01,795
but with no proof,
no charges were pressed.
474
00:26:05,632 --> 00:26:08,935
Investigators look to
the couple's employees
475
00:26:09,035 --> 00:26:12,172
to corroborate
the new information.
476
00:26:13,273 --> 00:26:16,776
On April 4th, they interview
Linda Martineu,
477
00:26:16,810 --> 00:26:19,112
a former employee at the lab.
478
00:26:19,846 --> 00:26:22,782
[Robert] We found out through
Linda Martineau
479
00:26:22,816 --> 00:26:24,617
that Priscilla believes
480
00:26:24,651 --> 00:26:27,821
that Dr. Bradford was having
an affair with Linda.
481
00:26:28,088 --> 00:26:29,789
[Jeffery] They did not have
an affair.
482
00:26:29,823 --> 00:26:33,159
But Priscilla did make it known
that she didn't like Linda.
483
00:26:33,827 --> 00:26:36,363
I think that the jealousy...
484
00:26:37,497 --> 00:26:40,200
Stems strictly from Priscilla...
485
00:26:40,500 --> 00:26:44,571
Wanting total control over
everything.
486
00:26:48,208 --> 00:26:51,611
[Narrator] She also tells
detectives that following
487
00:26:51,644 --> 00:26:53,980
the attack with the 2x4,
488
00:26:54,080 --> 00:26:57,484
John told her about another
concerning event
489
00:26:57,517 --> 00:27:03,023
that took place March 27th,
the day before his murder.
490
00:27:04,657 --> 00:27:07,160
John Bradford said that
he thought that poison
491
00:27:07,193 --> 00:27:09,062
had been added to his drink.
492
00:27:09,863 --> 00:27:11,698
[Bobby] He actually could taste
493
00:27:11,731 --> 00:27:13,733
something's wrong with
the orange juice,
494
00:27:14,067 --> 00:27:16,169
and he didn't drink it.
495
00:27:17,037 --> 00:27:20,206
Linda, I guess, was so fearful
of working there
496
00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:23,743
because of Priscilla Bradford,
that she ended up quitting.
497
00:27:26,646 --> 00:27:28,181
[Narrator] Even as
the accusations
498
00:27:28,214 --> 00:27:30,450
against Priscilla stack up,
499
00:27:30,483 --> 00:27:32,852
detectives need more evidence.
500
00:27:33,687 --> 00:27:36,356
Investigators contact
the one person
501
00:27:36,389 --> 00:27:38,258
who might reveal the truth:
502
00:27:38,692 --> 00:27:39,693
Eden.
503
00:27:40,827 --> 00:27:43,396
Before Eden's father will
let her talk to her police,
504
00:27:43,430 --> 00:27:46,433
he requests immunity for her,
and it's granted.
505
00:27:50,070 --> 00:27:51,204
[Narrator] On April 9th,
506
00:27:51,237 --> 00:27:54,074
12 days after John Bradford's
murder,
507
00:27:54,074 --> 00:27:56,910
detectives sit down with
the 14 year old
508
00:27:56,943 --> 00:27:58,578
at her father's home.
509
00:27:59,279 --> 00:28:03,883
I know that I kept reciting the
same sentences over and over.
510
00:28:04,351 --> 00:28:07,087
That he came home,
and he was beatin' her up.
511
00:28:07,921 --> 00:28:10,423
[Narrator] Sensing she is
holding back,
512
00:28:10,457 --> 00:28:13,293
detectives try
a different approach.
513
00:28:14,060 --> 00:28:16,930
They took an 8x10 color photo
514
00:28:17,764 --> 00:28:20,100
that was just his head
and his face.
515
00:28:20,133 --> 00:28:22,102
And that was that.
I lost it.
516
00:28:22,602 --> 00:28:27,273
I broke out cryin' and screamin'
and just goin' crazy.
517
00:28:29,275 --> 00:28:34,547
They shocked my system with
the horror of that photo.
518
00:28:35,348 --> 00:28:38,918
Then the whole story started to
come out at that point.
519
00:28:41,454 --> 00:28:42,589
[Narrator] Eden says
520
00:28:42,622 --> 00:28:44,090
her mother's relationship
with John
521
00:28:44,124 --> 00:28:47,894
had really soured over
the last several months.
522
00:28:48,528 --> 00:28:51,297
She didn't want him anymore.
523
00:28:51,331 --> 00:28:53,133
She just wanted the lab.
524
00:28:53,833 --> 00:28:57,103
She thought that maybe
the only way to get
525
00:28:57,137 --> 00:28:59,272
the money that she wants
out of it
526
00:28:59,305 --> 00:29:01,608
is to not divorce him...
527
00:29:01,641 --> 00:29:02,909
But kill him.
528
00:29:07,313 --> 00:29:11,418
[Narrator] Eden says Priscilla
put together a killing squad...
529
00:29:12,318 --> 00:29:14,454
Recruiting her friends and
employees,
530
00:29:14,487 --> 00:29:17,023
Joyce and Janice, to help.
531
00:29:17,524 --> 00:29:21,261
Joyce became involved with
all of this because
532
00:29:21,294 --> 00:29:24,597
Priscilla had promised her a cut
of the proceeds,
533
00:29:24,631 --> 00:29:26,633
and also Janice Gould.
534
00:29:26,666 --> 00:29:27,834
It was all about money.
535
00:29:27,867 --> 00:29:29,669
It was all about money
and control.
536
00:29:33,173 --> 00:29:35,475
[Narrator] Eden gives details
that corroborate
537
00:29:35,508 --> 00:29:39,546
the two unsuccessful attempts
on John's life.
538
00:29:40,847 --> 00:29:44,284
Priscilla hit John in the head
with the 2x4.
539
00:29:45,719 --> 00:29:47,520
John told me what happened.
540
00:29:47,554 --> 00:29:50,824
He said, "You call your dad and
have him come get you."
541
00:29:50,857 --> 00:29:52,492
Also around that time,
542
00:29:52,525 --> 00:29:57,964
one of the women gets ahold of
a bunch of black beauties.
543
00:29:58,064 --> 00:29:59,099
It's a speed.
544
00:29:59,132 --> 00:30:02,702
I saw my mother made a big thing
of orange juice,
545
00:30:02,736 --> 00:30:04,604
and stirred it up.
546
00:30:04,637 --> 00:30:06,172
Put the pitcher in the fridge,
547
00:30:06,206 --> 00:30:08,375
and said, "Well, he will have
that for breakfast."
548
00:30:12,312 --> 00:30:14,681
[Narrator] When those schemes
didn't work,
549
00:30:14,714 --> 00:30:16,516
Eden says her mom began
550
00:30:16,549 --> 00:30:19,152
laying the groundwork
for a new plan...
551
00:30:19,552 --> 00:30:22,889
[Eden] So, she told everybody at
the lab that
552
00:30:22,922 --> 00:30:24,858
Dr. Bradford had been
hitting her,
553
00:30:24,891 --> 00:30:28,294
but I know that was not true and
that never happened.
554
00:30:29,062 --> 00:30:30,697
[Narrator] On the morning
of the murder,
555
00:30:30,730 --> 00:30:33,166
Priscilla asked for Eden's help.
556
00:30:34,234 --> 00:30:39,305
She actually asked me to
hit her to quote,
557
00:30:39,339 --> 00:30:43,410
"make it look like Dr. Bradford
had hit her".
558
00:30:44,744 --> 00:30:47,580
My mother went in
and reported to them
559
00:30:48,248 --> 00:30:50,750
that John had been
beating her up.
560
00:30:51,317 --> 00:30:53,453
If I said or did anything
561
00:30:53,486 --> 00:30:55,755
contrary to what my mother
wanted,
562
00:30:56,289 --> 00:30:59,225
yeah, I was afraid
I would have been hurt.
563
00:31:03,730 --> 00:31:05,565
[Narrator] After filing
the report,
564
00:31:05,598 --> 00:31:08,568
Priscilla, Joyce, and Janice
all gathered at
565
00:31:08,601 --> 00:31:11,104
the Bradford home
that afternoon.
566
00:31:11,771 --> 00:31:14,941
[Eden] My mother had called
Dr. Bradford and said,
567
00:31:15,275 --> 00:31:18,078
"Come on home tonight.
We'll talk things over.
568
00:31:18,111 --> 00:31:19,879
Kinda wanna make peace."
569
00:31:19,913 --> 00:31:22,382
[Narrator] Eden says
she hid in the bathroom.
570
00:31:22,716 --> 00:31:27,087
When John came home,
the three women attacked him.
571
00:31:27,120 --> 00:31:28,521
He was ambushed.
572
00:31:28,555 --> 00:31:32,092
He had not a clue what was going
to happen to him
573
00:31:32,125 --> 00:31:33,893
when he walked
through that door.
574
00:31:35,595 --> 00:31:38,264
[Eden] And I was so scared about
what was goin' on,
575
00:31:38,298 --> 00:31:40,834
not knowing what was gonna
happen next.
576
00:31:42,669 --> 00:31:43,970
[Narrator] Coming up.
577
00:31:44,804 --> 00:31:47,841
An innocent victim
fears for her life...
578
00:31:48,641 --> 00:31:50,910
If I had to tried to stop it
at that moment,
579
00:31:50,944 --> 00:31:52,846
I'd have been on the floor
with him.
580
00:31:52,879 --> 00:31:56,850
[Narrator] And later, a sting
reveals the unthinkable.
581
00:31:57,317 --> 00:31:59,185
[Eden] They wanted to kill off
witnesses.
582
00:31:59,452 --> 00:32:01,788
That's some of
the whacked-out things
583
00:32:01,821 --> 00:32:03,957
she had running through
her head.
584
00:32:04,057 --> 00:32:09,963
[music]
585
00:32:18,505 --> 00:32:20,607
[Narrator] Investigators
are horrified
586
00:32:20,907 --> 00:32:23,076
as 14-year-old Eden Bradford
587
00:32:23,109 --> 00:32:25,645
recounts the murder
of her stepfather,
588
00:32:25,679 --> 00:32:27,313
Dr. John Bradford,
589
00:32:27,347 --> 00:32:31,618
at the hands of her mother
and two of her employees.
590
00:32:32,652 --> 00:32:34,287
[Eden] I had heard him come in.
591
00:32:34,320 --> 00:32:36,523
I'm hiding in the bathroom.
592
00:32:37,090 --> 00:32:39,893
And then, I heard a thud.
593
00:32:41,327 --> 00:32:45,632
I believe that
he had already been hit,
594
00:32:45,665 --> 00:32:48,001
and that's when he fell down.
595
00:32:51,304 --> 00:32:52,939
[Narrator] Eden tells
investigators
596
00:32:52,972 --> 00:32:55,241
around 15 minutes later,
597
00:32:55,709 --> 00:32:58,011
Janice summoned her
to the kitchen.
598
00:32:58,545 --> 00:33:01,681
Janice says something to
the effect that
599
00:33:01,715 --> 00:33:03,850
I have to come out
and help them.
600
00:33:03,883 --> 00:33:06,853
"The SOB won't die."
601
00:33:09,522 --> 00:33:12,258
My mother handed me
the bottle capper.
602
00:33:13,226 --> 00:33:15,662
She did instruct me to hit him.
603
00:33:16,896 --> 00:33:21,601
And I did, two,
maybe three times.
604
00:33:26,406 --> 00:33:29,075
If I had to tried to stop it at
that moment,
605
00:33:29,442 --> 00:33:31,878
she definitely would have
killed me, too.
606
00:33:32,712 --> 00:33:34,447
No doubt about it.
607
00:33:36,282 --> 00:33:38,218
[Narrator] Even as
all four women
608
00:33:38,251 --> 00:33:42,255
took turns attacking John,
he clung to life.
609
00:33:43,123 --> 00:33:47,761
That's when Eden says Priscilla
called her mother, Mildred.
610
00:33:49,929 --> 00:33:52,265
My mother, in so many words,
611
00:33:52,799 --> 00:33:57,904
told her that Dr. Bradford was
murdered and he wouldn't die.
612
00:33:57,937 --> 00:33:59,239
But my mother said that
613
00:33:59,272 --> 00:34:02,075
my grandmother told her
over the phone
614
00:34:02,108 --> 00:34:04,377
to hit him until they think
he's dead,
615
00:34:04,611 --> 00:34:08,581
and then wait about 10 minutes
before calling for an ambulance.
616
00:34:10,884 --> 00:34:15,355
We know now that Priscilla,
Janice and Joyce
617
00:34:15,388 --> 00:34:17,724
have conspired to commit murder,
618
00:34:18,058 --> 00:34:20,427
and we felt that
we had enough evidence
619
00:34:20,460 --> 00:34:22,328
to arrest them for murder.
620
00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:29,069
[Narrator] On April 10th, 1980,
621
00:34:29,302 --> 00:34:31,604
two weeks after John's murder,
622
00:34:31,938 --> 00:34:34,074
Joyce is arrested at the lab.
623
00:34:34,908 --> 00:34:37,477
Priscilla and Janice are
arrested later,
624
00:34:37,510 --> 00:34:39,245
at Priscilla's home.
625
00:34:40,647 --> 00:34:41,881
[Robert] They didn't resist.
626
00:34:41,915 --> 00:34:44,250
They knew they were bein'
charged with murder.
627
00:34:44,284 --> 00:34:48,121
[Bobby] Priscilla was very
subdued, not talkative at all.
628
00:34:48,154 --> 00:34:51,091
It was just like, "You got me,"
you know?
629
00:34:51,124 --> 00:34:52,926
The game's over.
630
00:34:52,959 --> 00:34:55,161
[Eden] I was told my mother
had been arrested.
631
00:34:55,195 --> 00:34:58,298
And I immediately broke out
crying.
632
00:34:59,532 --> 00:35:05,538
I still did not have a concept
of I was never gonna go home.
633
00:35:08,675 --> 00:35:10,944
[Narrator] A few months
after the arrest,
634
00:35:11,044 --> 00:35:13,780
detectives receive
a shocking tip
635
00:35:13,813 --> 00:35:15,782
from Joyce's cellmate.
636
00:35:15,815 --> 00:35:19,819
She reveals that Joyce,
Priscilla, and Janice
637
00:35:19,853 --> 00:35:23,656
came to her with
an unexpected request.
638
00:35:24,691 --> 00:35:29,629
While in Jail Priscilla, Janice
and Joyce ask her
639
00:35:29,662 --> 00:35:32,866
if she knew someone that could
put a hit,
640
00:35:32,899 --> 00:35:36,870
meaning kill witnesses that were
gonna testify against them.
641
00:35:37,737 --> 00:35:40,173
[Narrator] Stunned,
the woman agreed...
642
00:35:40,206 --> 00:35:43,710
But instead, she went
straight to the police.
643
00:35:44,077 --> 00:35:49,315
The women are plotting to kill
some of the key witnesses.
644
00:35:49,349 --> 00:35:52,452
And Priscilla wants to kill
her own daughter.
645
00:35:53,720 --> 00:35:57,624
All three women were in the same
jail awaiting trial.
646
00:35:57,657 --> 00:36:00,026
They were able to converse with
each other.
647
00:36:00,060 --> 00:36:02,529
So, we knew that all three took
part in it.
648
00:36:03,396 --> 00:36:05,899
[Eden] They wanted to kill off
witnesses and
649
00:36:05,932 --> 00:36:07,901
people who were
going to testify,
650
00:36:07,934 --> 00:36:12,539
including two detectives
and his employees, as well.
651
00:36:16,443 --> 00:36:19,546
[Narrator] Investigators work
with Joyce's cellmate
652
00:36:19,579 --> 00:36:21,214
to set up a sting.
653
00:36:21,448 --> 00:36:26,286
[Robert] We then set it up with
this person in the jail
654
00:36:26,653 --> 00:36:30,223
to go back and tell them that
we did know someone
655
00:36:30,256 --> 00:36:31,725
that could do the job.
656
00:36:31,758 --> 00:36:35,428
The payment for the job was
gonna be $2,000.
657
00:36:36,062 --> 00:36:38,064
Joyce's cell mate tells her
658
00:36:38,064 --> 00:36:41,668
to have someone drop off
the money in a phone booth,
659
00:36:41,701 --> 00:36:44,070
so that the hitman can
come and get it.
660
00:36:44,604 --> 00:36:47,707
They had me go undercover
as the hitman.
661
00:36:47,741 --> 00:36:52,879
[music]
662
00:36:52,912 --> 00:36:55,782
[Narrator] But when detectives
see who Priscilla sent
663
00:36:55,815 --> 00:36:57,450
to drop off the money,
664
00:36:57,484 --> 00:36:59,252
they are in disbelief.
665
00:36:59,786 --> 00:37:03,289
At the time, I was sittin'
outside this restaurant
666
00:37:03,823 --> 00:37:07,227
where the phone booth was,
and I witnessed
667
00:37:07,894 --> 00:37:11,097
Priscilla's mother come out of
the restaurant
668
00:37:11,131 --> 00:37:13,566
and place the money
in the phone booth.
669
00:37:17,804 --> 00:37:19,272
After she went back inside,
670
00:37:19,305 --> 00:37:22,575
I went inside the phone booth
and got the money,
671
00:37:22,609 --> 00:37:24,644
and drove it to
the police station.
672
00:37:24,678 --> 00:37:28,948
I was a little surprised that
Mildred Hadley was involved.
673
00:37:29,049 --> 00:37:32,185
You know, matter of fact,
I was a little angry.
674
00:37:35,055 --> 00:37:37,957
[Narrator] Prosecutors add
solicitation of murder
675
00:37:38,058 --> 00:37:42,095
to the charges against
Priscilla, Joyce, and Janice.
676
00:37:43,163 --> 00:37:46,132
But they decide to not
pursue charges
677
00:37:46,166 --> 00:37:48,168
against Mildred Hadley.
678
00:37:49,602 --> 00:37:51,604
They weren't certain,
given her age,
679
00:37:51,638 --> 00:37:53,940
if she even had
the mental capacity
680
00:37:53,973 --> 00:37:56,142
to understand what she was doing
681
00:37:56,176 --> 00:37:58,478
and what she was bein'
asked to do.
682
00:38:03,516 --> 00:38:06,686
[Narrator] Unsure whether
Priscilla will try again,
683
00:38:07,053 --> 00:38:11,291
detectives advise all of
the witnesses to lay low.
684
00:38:12,192 --> 00:38:14,494
The detectives even suggested
685
00:38:14,527 --> 00:38:18,231
that I didn't go anywhere
until after the trial.
686
00:38:19,366 --> 00:38:21,434
I started looking over
my shoulder all the time.
687
00:38:23,737 --> 00:38:28,475
I felt fear, you know, 'cause
I already saw what she could do.
688
00:38:28,875 --> 00:38:34,147
And she had a way of getting
people to do what she wanted.
689
00:38:34,180 --> 00:38:36,416
She scared the daylights
outa me.
690
00:38:39,352 --> 00:38:40,720
[Narrator] Coming up.
691
00:38:40,754 --> 00:38:43,556
Priscilla tries to make a deal.
692
00:38:45,158 --> 00:38:46,526
[Bobby] She knew
the game was over,
693
00:38:46,559 --> 00:38:49,562
but she wanted to keep
from getting the electric chair.
694
00:38:50,230 --> 00:38:53,867
[Narrator] But one accomplice
take a different approach.
695
00:38:55,235 --> 00:38:57,070
[Eden] Her whole life is about
to be thrown away
696
00:38:57,070 --> 00:38:59,406
'cause she listened to
this crazy woman.
697
00:38:59,439 --> 00:39:04,844
[music]
698
00:39:13,086 --> 00:39:14,554
[Narrator] Priscilla Bradford,
699
00:39:14,587 --> 00:39:17,557
along with her two
co-conspirators,
700
00:39:17,590 --> 00:39:22,262
Janice Gould and Joyce Cummings
are behind bars,
701
00:39:22,562 --> 00:39:24,464
and they are all awaiting trial
702
00:39:24,497 --> 00:39:29,035
for the brutal murder of
Priscilla's husband, John.
703
00:39:32,105 --> 00:39:34,341
As prosecutors get ready
for trial,
704
00:39:34,374 --> 00:39:38,278
they zero in on
identifying Priscilla's motive.
705
00:39:39,045 --> 00:39:42,515
She just wanted to cause chaos.
She wanted that lab.
706
00:39:42,782 --> 00:39:45,752
She wanted money.
She wanted prestige.
707
00:39:45,785 --> 00:39:48,388
[Bobby] She was hellbent on
doin' this guy in,
708
00:39:48,421 --> 00:39:50,390
to try to eliminate him.
709
00:39:50,957 --> 00:39:55,061
Not only from the business,
but from life itself.
710
00:39:57,664 --> 00:39:59,265
[Narrator] Priscilla used
her money
711
00:39:59,299 --> 00:40:04,004
and her position to lure
her accomplices into her plot.
712
00:40:04,637 --> 00:40:08,375
[Eden] Janice was a single aunt,
and was raising a small child.
713
00:40:08,408 --> 00:40:10,610
Joyce was on her own, you know,
714
00:40:10,643 --> 00:40:12,946
didn't have anyone to
provide for her.
715
00:40:13,646 --> 00:40:16,649
And I think that the job
at the lab
716
00:40:17,017 --> 00:40:19,119
gave them that stability.
717
00:40:24,657 --> 00:40:27,594
[Narrator] The possibility of
landing on Death Row
718
00:40:27,627 --> 00:40:30,764
proves to be too much
for Priscilla and Janice.
719
00:40:32,499 --> 00:40:36,803
In August, they both
plead guilty to John's murder.
720
00:40:38,505 --> 00:40:41,307
[Bobby] Mrs. Bradford, she knew
the game was over.
721
00:40:41,341 --> 00:40:44,344
Her daughter was a prime witness
in this case,
722
00:40:44,377 --> 00:40:46,446
she wanted to work out some kind
of a deal.
723
00:40:46,479 --> 00:40:48,448
To keep from
getting the electric chair
724
00:40:48,481 --> 00:40:50,450
or gettin' the needle
in the arm.
725
00:40:51,851 --> 00:40:54,120
[Narrator] On August 4th, 1980,
726
00:40:54,154 --> 00:40:56,623
Priscilla and Janice are
sentenced.
727
00:40:57,857 --> 00:41:00,627
[Corey] Priscilla and Janice
both pled guilty,
728
00:41:00,960 --> 00:41:05,765
received life sentences each for
the murder of John Bradford.
729
00:41:10,704 --> 00:41:13,473
[Narrator] But Joyce chooses
a different approach,
730
00:41:13,506 --> 00:41:16,209
and takes her chances at trial.
731
00:41:16,743 --> 00:41:19,546
[Eden] Joyce, probably because
of her youth,
732
00:41:20,180 --> 00:41:22,716
fought it and said,
"No, I'm goin' to trial."
733
00:41:22,749 --> 00:41:24,184
She was 18, 19 years old.
734
00:41:24,217 --> 00:41:26,086
Her whole life is
about to be thrown away
735
00:41:26,386 --> 00:41:28,688
'cause she listened to
this crazy woman,
736
00:41:28,722 --> 00:41:30,123
but she had a choice.
737
00:41:30,857 --> 00:41:33,526
[Narrator] Eden takes the stand
to testify against
738
00:41:33,560 --> 00:41:35,328
her mother's accomplice,
739
00:41:35,362 --> 00:41:37,897
which is all the jury
needs to hear.
740
00:41:38,231 --> 00:41:42,535
On August 14th, Joyce is
convicted of murder.
741
00:41:43,269 --> 00:41:48,508
[Robert] Joyce Cummings got
25 years and, to life,
742
00:41:48,942 --> 00:41:53,880
and for the solicitation,
she got 15 years.
743
00:42:00,520 --> 00:42:03,256
[Narrator] With all three women
behind bars,
744
00:42:03,590 --> 00:42:07,894
14-year-old Eden is left
to pick up the pieces.
745
00:42:10,397 --> 00:42:11,698
[Eden] I was probably upset.
746
00:42:11,731 --> 00:42:15,402
I was probably sad that
I'm probably never going to see
747
00:42:15,435 --> 00:42:16,569
my mother again.
748
00:42:16,936 --> 00:42:19,105
You know, she was still
my mother.
749
00:42:20,106 --> 00:42:23,076
What she took away
from Eden was her...
750
00:42:23,076 --> 00:42:24,778
Her childhood, basically.
751
00:42:25,578 --> 00:42:27,747
And that's a crime in itself.
752
00:42:28,448 --> 00:42:31,785
When my dad and stepmother
realized, you know,
753
00:42:31,818 --> 00:42:33,953
"I think she's gonna be
stayin' here."
754
00:42:33,987 --> 00:42:35,889
They started
making arrangements.
755
00:42:35,922 --> 00:42:38,091
And when I got away from her,
756
00:42:38,124 --> 00:42:41,261
I realized there was a whole
great big world out here
757
00:42:41,294 --> 00:42:43,329
and there was a lot of good
in it.
758
00:42:46,466 --> 00:42:48,601
[Narrator] In July 2007,
759
00:42:48,635 --> 00:42:51,471
Priscilla Bradford dies in
prison.
760
00:42:52,472 --> 00:42:57,844
She had developed a major lung
infection that had spread.
761
00:42:59,212 --> 00:43:02,849
And so, she was pretty much on
life support.
762
00:43:03,483 --> 00:43:07,787
The last time I ever spoke with
Priscilla
763
00:43:08,154 --> 00:43:11,591
was four days before she died.
764
00:43:11,624 --> 00:43:15,161
And she couldn't speak,
but she knew I was there.
765
00:43:15,195 --> 00:43:16,463
She knew that it was me.
766
00:43:16,830 --> 00:43:22,068
John has been remembered as
a good man, a great doctor,
767
00:43:22,102 --> 00:43:23,770
a wonderful relative.
768
00:43:24,170 --> 00:43:25,805
He loved his heritage.
769
00:43:25,839 --> 00:43:27,507
He loved where he was from.
770
00:43:27,974 --> 00:43:30,076
I think John loved life.
771
00:43:31,378 --> 00:43:34,681
[music]
772
00:43:34,714 --> 00:43:44,457
[music]