A Loudoun County, Virginia, judge has ruled that Roger Bradford will be allowed to represent himself against second-degree murder and firearms charges in the September death of his wife, Lisa, in their Aldie home.
Dressed in a red and white striped jail jumpsuit, with shackled ankles, Bradford sat alone at the defense table in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, while Judge Charles Koehler made sure Bradford was aware of the requirements of defending himself in a criminal case.
”Representing yourself is almost always unwise,” Koehler said. “You’ll be expected to follow the rules the same as someone with a license.”
Bradford was arrested in Pennsylvania on Sept. 22, hours after sheriff’s investigators say he retrieved ammunition from a storage locker, bought large zip ties, then shot and killed Realtor Lisa Bradford in their home on Quimby Oaks Place. Charging documents allege Lisa Bradford was found with her arms zip-tied behind her and a bullet-riddled pillow over her head.
During questioning from Koehler, Bradford said, “I’m not here to grandstand. I’m just here to tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.”
Koehler told Bradford he was choosing to pit himself against trained, experienced prosecutors.
”I’m just looking for a level playing field,” Bradford said. “I know the prosecutors’ job is to serve me up on a platter.”
The judge said if Bradford is convicted, he wouldn’t be allowed to claim he was poorly represented in trial.
”I’m not concerned about the outcome,” said Bradford, adding he wanted to begin the trial process. “It’s for my late wife and children.”
After explaining the concept of standby counsel, in which an appointed attorney assists a self-represented defendant with procedural aspects during trial, Koehler asked Bradford if he was interested in having a second person at the defense table.
“I would welcome standby counsel, your honor,” Bradford responded.
Bradford requested, and was granted a new date for his preliminary hearing. He’s next due in court Dec. 7 and prosecutors will lay out the basics of their case.
If the judge finds probable cause, the case would go to a Loudoun County grand jury the following week. Prosecutors have indicated they intend to upgrade the second-degree murder count to first-degree murder, and that additional charges are likely.
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