AT2W

On Tuesday 23, 2009,  Dennis Earl Bradford, a 40-year-old welder was in Little Rock, Arkansas for raping Jennifer Schuett 19 years ago and leaving her for dead.  Jennifer Schuett was only 8 years old when Dennis Bradford climbed into her bedroom window snatched her out of her bed.  Bradford lied and told her he was a detective and knew her family, slashed her throat and threatened her not to tell anyone.   Her mother had not even known Jennifer Schuett was kidnapped until the next morning.  The kidnapping alarmed her mother and residents in Dickinson, Texas.  This case has been shown on America’s Most Wanted a few times and Jennifer has been interviewed by CNN, never afraid to reveal her identity.  According to yesterday’s affidavit, investigators also found Bradford lived slightly more than two miles from Schuett’s residence and just a mile and a half from where she was found.

When Dennis Bradford was found, detectives discovered his family life.  He worked for United Fence welding company.   A worker at the company said Bradford had been working there for 10 years and had became a very good worker, regardless of past problems and they would never suspect him of having been guilty of such a crime.  He lived in North Little Rock, with his wife and two children, a boy, 12, and a girl, 15.  He also has 3 adult stepchildren.

Back in 1996, Dennis Bradford was accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and cutting the throat of another female victim.  At first, he charged with attempt to commit first-degree murder, but prosecutors changed the charges to rape and kidnapping.  Although, jury found him guilty of kidnapping they reach a verdict on his rape charges.  Correctional officers of Arkansas said he entered prison in March 1997, facing a 12-year-sentence, and was paroled in February 2000.

Thanks to FBI agent Richard Rennison of Dickinson police and Detective Tim Cromie who persuaded the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) team to get involved.  The FBI lab recently informed Rennison that the DNA in the man’s underwear matched Bradford’s DNA profile, which was entered into the database, after the 1997 kidnapping conviction in Arkansas.  DNA evidence was discovered on Bradford’s clothing left behind with Jennifer Schuett’s pajamas and underwear.

Dennis Bradford was arrested by authorities on his way to work.