In Alabama, a man has been arrested after a tragic incident in which he waited for his pregnant ex-girlfriend to return to a safehouse, where he fatally stabbed her.
Authorities believe he committed this heinous act out of fear that she would accuse him of domestic violence, which could result in his return to prison.
The Russell County Sheriff, Heath Taylor, disclosed in a press conference that they received a distress call shortly after midnight on Saturday, reporting the discovery of a body at a fire station serving as a safehouse for domestic violence victims. The victim, 37-year-old Treasure Hennessy, had sustained multiple stab wounds.
The alleged perpetrator, Bradley Wayne Stokes (pictured above), was apprehended on Saturday afternoon in nearby Columbus, Georgia.
He is now facing capital murder charges for the deaths of Hennessy and her unborn child. Hennessy was eight weeks pregnant with Stokes' child. Additionally, Stokes is charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers after attempting to evade capture.
Stokes, 39, had been released from federal prison on June 2 after serving 14 years of a 16-year sentence for weapons charges and manslaughter related to the 2008 shooting death of his girlfriend, Crystal Bailey.
Not long after his release, he entered a relationship with Hennessy. During their time together, Hennessy had reportedly filed at least two domestic violence reports against Stokes.
Towards the end of last month, Hennessy moved out of Stokes' residence and sought refuge in the domestic violence shelter. Stokes discovered her location on Friday and waited for her after 8 p.m.
Sheriff Taylor remarked, "I believe the evidence will show that Mr. Stokes was waiting and hiding for her at that location."
Following the tragic incident, Stokes moved Hennessy's vehicle behind a barn in an attempt to conceal it before making his escape in his own car.
Taylor expressed his belief that Stokes' motive for the crime was rooted in the fear that Hennessy would file a domestic violence warrant against him.
Such an accusation could have violated his probation, leading to a return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Law enforcement deputies have retrieved a knife they believe was used in the murder.
Stokes will be extradited back to Russell County in the coming days. If convicted, he may face the possibility of the death penalty.
In another news, a former lawyer has been accused of murdering his wife and ttampering with evidence. See detailed story here.
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