Connect with us

Kentucky

Kentucky teen accused of killing 2 bank employees busted after posting clues on social media

Published

on

Kentucky teen accused of killing 2 bank employees busted after posting clues on social media


An 18-year-old accused of gunning down two Kentucky bank employees during a robbery was quickly tracked down when investigators linked him to his own Facebook posts.

Brailen Weaver was charged with armed bank robbery and firearms offenses causing death after the Thursday shooting at a US Bank branch in Berea, court records show.

Kentucky State Police later identified the victims as Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42.

Brailen Weaver, 18, is charged in connection with a deadly US Bank shooting in Berea, Kentucky on April 30, 2026. AP

A silver BMW seen on surveillance video became a key break in the case as investigators matched the vehicle to a car that Weaver had listed for sale on Facebook, according to an FBI affidavit filed Friday, the Associated Press reported.

Advertisement

The FBI also tied the suspect’s clothing to photos Weaver had posted online, and said he kept posting on social media after the deadly robbery.

Officials later spotted the BMW on Interstate 75 Thursday night, triggering a high-speed chase between Weaver and police.

The pursuit continued into Lexington, where speeds exceeded 130 mph before the car crashed and the suspect ran off on foot, the affidavit said.

The FBI affidavit detailing the case was written before the capture and does not mention an arrest.

Police search the area following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Lexington. Lex18
The US Bank branch in Berea where the shooting unfolded, leaving two employees dead. Google Maps

But Kentucky State Police Officer Justin Kearney said in a social media post Friday that a “person of interest believed to be involved in yesterday’s Berea bank robbery has been apprehended.”

Advertisement

Weaver entered the bank just before 2 p.m. Thursday and “immediately shot and killed a male victim” before fatally shooting a teller, according to the affidavit.

He then checked multiple drawers and fled. Authorities have not said whether any money was taken.

Brian Switzer, 42, was identified as one of two victims killed in the shooting. GoFundMe
Breanna Edwards, 35, was also killed in the US Bank shooting in Berea. Breanna Edwards/Facebook

“While there is no longer imminent danger, we understand that the tragedy is far from over for the community,” said Olivia Olson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville office.

“The only solace that we can offer is that this individual, who valued a stolen dollar more than two human lives, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Weaver could also face state charges tied to the killings.

Advertisement

US Bank said it was working with authorities and supporting victims’ families.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today,” the company said.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Kentucky

Kentucky Colonels executive to speak at Florence Rotary Club on Monday, public welcome to register

Published

on

Kentucky Colonels executive to speak at Florence Rotary Club on Monday, public welcome to register


Kentucky Colonels Executive Director Sherry Crose will speak to the Florence Rotary Club on Monday. Crose will be speaking about the history and traditions of the Kentucky Colonels, one of Kentucky’s highest honors, recognizing individuals for service, leadership, and goodwill. Behind the organization is a mission of charitable giving and community impact that seeks to…



Source link

Continue Reading

Kentucky

Tornado ripped through Florence area during storms, NWS confirms

Published

on

Tornado ripped through Florence area during storms, NWS confirms


play

A tornado was confirmed to have ripped through the Florence area during the overnight storms June 18.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington released a statement June 20 saying a tornado traveled eastward 6.2 miles across the Northern Kentucky city, 10 miles south of Cincinnati. It had estimated peak winds of 100 mph, which classifies it as an EF1 “moderate” tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Advertisement

The tornado’s path goes mostly through residential areas, and the first evidence was found on Landings Way where several trees were snapped at their trunks, the weather service reported.

The tornado progressed east, crossing Interstate 71/75 and then seemingly dissipating on Tallwood Circle where multiple large branches were downed, the final known instance of damage.

Along the way, the tornado uprooted multiple trees and snapped branches, damaged several buildings and businesses, and snapped a large power pole near the intersection of U.S. 42 and Dream Street, according to the weather service.

Advertisement

How many tornadoes have been confirmed in Greater Cincinnati, beyond?

As of 1 p.m. June 20, the weather service has confirmed that apart from the one in Florence, two other tornadoes touched down in Greater Cincinnati on June 18:

  • An EF2 “significant” tornado that traveled about 9 miles from Dearborn County, Indiana, to Boone County, Kentucky.
  • An EF2 “significant” tornado that traveled just over 5 miles from Franklin County, Indiana, to Butler County, Ohio.

A few other tornadoes have been confirmed outside the Greater Cincinnati region, including an EF2 that traveled 23.6 miles from Scott County, Indiana, to Trimble County, Kentucky; an EF2 that traveled 9 miles across Pike County, Ohio; and one in Grant County, Kentucky, just north of Williamstown.

The weather service said details on the Grant County tornado will be released later on June 20.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Kentucky

Opinion – Caleb Franz: Cassiuis Marcellus Clay – Kentucky's original free speech champion

Published

on

Opinion – Caleb Franz: Cassiuis Marcellus Clay – Kentucky's original free speech champion


The Declaration of Independence’s pledge of liberty to all people was only effective if there were those willing in subsequent generations to fulfill that promise. It was not yet a matter of fact in 1776. Liberty required champions — often obscure and endangered — who forced the promise into practice. Within a generation of the…



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending