Full Breakdown
Alyssa Bradburn Sentenced for the Murder of Her Father
4/7/2026, 8:58:46 AM
Key Facts of the Case
Alyssa Bradburn, a 33-year-old woman from Spokane County, Washington, has been sentenced to 340 months (approximately 28 years) in prison for the first-degree murder of her father, Timothy Bradburn. The sentencing occurred on April 2, 2024, following a jury's guilty verdict a month prior. Prosecutors characterized the murder as premeditated, citing evidence of extensive planning over several weeks, including practice with the firearm and journaling about her intentions.
On June 25, 2024, Alyssa called 911 to report that she had shot her father as he returned home from a trip to Hawaii. Investigators determined that Timothy was ambushed at the front door, where he was shot four times—twice in the chest and once in the head. Alyssa initially claimed self-defense, alleging abuse from her father, but later retracted these statements.
Sentencing and Family Impact
During the sentencing, Alyssa's brother, Trace Bradburn, expressed the profound emotional toll of their father's death, stating, "My father was everything to me." He criticized the false allegations made against Timothy, asserting they tarnished his memory. The prosecution sought a harsher sentence, arguing that the nature of the crime and the planning involved warranted a more severe punishment. In contrast, Alyssa's defense attorney requested leniency, citing her lack of prior criminal history and mental health issues.
Judge Julie McKay ultimately imposed a mid-range sentence of 280 months, plus a 60-month firearm enhancement, totaling 340 months. The judge acknowledged the irreversible loss to the family, stating, "Unfortunately, the crime Ms. Bradburn decided to start her criminal history with is the most significant and serious that we have."
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emily Sullivan noting the "extreme and elaborate degree of planning." Alyssa Bradburn, during her testimony, stated, "I killed Tim Bradburn, and I am guilty," expressing acceptance of her sentence. The court also mandated that she serve 36 months of community custody, pay restitution related to her father's death, and remain permanently barred from contacting her brother.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the sentence have pointed to Alyssa's mental health struggles, arguing that these factors should have been given more weight in the sentencing process. Her defense team highlighted her difficulties in distinguishing between reality and fantasy, suggesting that her actions were influenced by these challenges.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the prosecution presented a clear narrative of premeditated murder, Alyssa's initial claims of self-defense and her later retraction raise questions about the complexities of her mental state at the time of the crime. The absence of corroborating evidence for her allegations of abuse also leaves gaps in understanding the full context of the relationship between Alyssa and her father.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I killed Tim Bradburn, and I am guilty,” — Alyssa Bradburn, during trial.
- “The false accusations made against him have deeply tarnished his memory,” — Trace Bradburn, Alyssa's brother.
- “Unfortunately, the crime Ms. Bradburn decided to start her criminal history with is the most significant and serious that we have,” — Judge Julie McKay.
