Woman Sentenced for Killing Father in Planned Attack

Alyssa Bradburn gets nearly 28 years in prison for the premeditated murder of her father in their Spokane home.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the stark, gritty details of a premeditated crime.The meticulous planning and execution of this tragic killing has left an indelible mark on the Bradburn family.Spokane Today

Alyssa Bradburn, 33, has been sentenced to 340 months (nearly 28 years) in prison for the 2024 first-degree murder of her father, Timothy Bradburn, in their Spokane, Washington home. Prosecutors say Bradburn carefully planned the killing for weeks, practicing with the firearm and journaling about her plan, before ambushing her father as he returned home from a trip to Hawaii.

Why it matters

The case highlights the devastating impact of premeditated familial violence, as well as the challenges in balancing mental health considerations with the severity of the crime. The judge acknowledged the profound loss to the family, noting that no sentence could undo the tragedy.

The details

According to court documents, on June 25, 2024, Bradburn called 911 and reported that she had shot her father as he returned home. She told dispatchers his body was in the entryway and that she would be waiting outside for police. Investigators say Timothy Bradburn was ambushed as he walked through the front door, still holding his suitcase and keys. Bradburn admitted she began planning to kill her father weeks in advance, practicing with the firearm and getting help loading it at a gun range. She also journaled about the plan in the days leading up to the shooting.

  • On June 25, 2024, Bradburn called 911 to report she had shot her father.
  • Bradburn began planning the killing of her father weeks in advance.

The players

Alyssa Bradburn

A 33-year-old Washington state woman who was convicted of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement for the 2024 killing of her father, Timothy Bradburn.

Timothy Bradburn

Alyssa Bradburn's father, who was killed in the planned attack as he returned home from a trip to Hawaii.

Trace Bradburn

The brother of Alyssa Bradburn, who described the devastating impact of his father's death and pushed back on earlier abuse allegations against his father.

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What they’re saying

“I killed Tim Bradburn, and I am guilty. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm OK with going to prison for however long.”

— Alyssa Bradburn

“My father was everything to me. The false accusations made against him have deeply tarnished his memory. My dad was an amazing man, and he never did anything to hurt anyone.”

— Trace Bradburn, Timothy Bradburn's son

What’s next

The judge in the case has ordered Alyssa Bradburn to serve 36 months of community custody upon her release from prison, in addition to paying restitution related to her father's death. She is also permanently barred from contacting her brother, Trace Bradburn.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of premeditated familial violence and the challenges in balancing mental health considerations with the severity of the crime. The judge's remarks highlight the profound loss to the Bradburn family that no sentence can undo.