Bald-Headed Killer Sentenced for Father's Murder

Alyssa Bradburn showed little emotion as she received nearly 30 years in prison for the 2024 killing of her father, Timothy Bradburn.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:36am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence of a violent crime without depicting any actual violence.The physical evidence of a tragic family crime exposes the stark realities of premeditated violence.Spokane Today

Alyssa Bradburn, 33, was sentenced to 340 months (roughly 28 years) in prison after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement in the 2024 killing of her father, Timothy Bradburn. Prosecutors said Bradburn showed little emotion throughout the trial, often sitting stoically and at times smiling, and admitted she began planning to kill her father weeks in advance, practicing with the firearm and journaling about the plan.

Why it matters

The case has devastated the Bradburn family, with Timothy's son Trace describing the loss of his father as 'everything' to him. The level of planning and Alyssa's apparent lack of remorse have also made this an especially disturbing crime.

The details

According to court documents, on June 25, 2024, Alyssa Bradburn called 911 and reported that she had shot her father as he returned home from a trip to Hawaii. Investigators say Timothy Bradburn was ambushed as he walked through the front door, still holding his suitcase and keys. Bradburn told detectives she believed she shot him three times - twice in the chest and once in the head. An autopsy later determined he had been shot four times. Prosecutors said the killing was deliberate, and Bradburn admitted she began planning to kill her father weeks in advance, practicing with the firearm inside the home 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, Alyssa Bradburn called 911 to report she had shot her father.
  • In the weeks leading up to the shooting, Bradburn planned the killing, practiced with the firearm, and journaled about her plan.

The players

Alyssa Bradburn

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

Timothy Bradburn

Alyssa Bradburn's father, who was fatally shot by his daughter as he returned home from a trip to Hawaii.

Trace Bradburn

Timothy Bradburn's son and Alyssa Bradburn's brother, who described the devastating impact of his father's loss.

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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.”

— Trace Bradburn

“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

What’s next

The judge acknowledged the devastation to the Bradburn family, noting that no sentence could undo the loss. Alyssa Bradburn's legal team declined to comment on the sentencing or her change in appearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tragic consequences of premeditated violence within a family, as well as the lasting trauma and damage it can inflict. It raises questions about mental health, the criminal justice system's ability to address such complex crimes, and the need for greater support and resources for families dealing with domestic issues.