Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode Summary: Priscilla Bradford

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Priscilla Bradford" from the Oxygen podcast "Snapped: Women Who Murder," listeners are taken through a harrowing true crime story that unravels the complexities of deceit, betrayal, and murder. The episode delves deep into the life of Priscilla Bradford, her tumultuous marriage to Dr. John Bradford, and the subsequent conspiracy that led to his untimely death.

Background

John Bradford’s Life and Career

John Bradford, born in 1926 in Crowell, Texas, was a respected optometrist who moved to Melbourne, Florida, after obtaining his degree. He established a successful practice and a laboratory that became one of the few in town, providing a steady income and fostering a thriving business environment.

Witness 2 [06:22]: "Dr. Bradford was from a very large family. These were really devout, strong Texan men, good caliber of people."

Priscilla Hadley’s Entry into John’s Life

Priscilla Hadley, born in 1943 in Newark, New Jersey, entered John Bradford’s life in 1976 when she became one of his patients. Their relationship quickly evolved from doctor-patient to romantic partners, leading to their marriage in November 1977.

Witness 2 [09:37]: "I liked him, you know, he was a really neat guy and he really, really worked hard at including me, you know, as a member of his family."

Priscilla's business acumen complemented John’s medical expertise, and together they expanded the optometry practice, making it even more prosperous.

The Incident

The Day of the Murder

On March 28, 1980, at 6:15 PM, the Melbourne Police Department received a frantic 911 call from Priscilla Bradford claiming she had killed her husband, John Bradford, in what she described as self-defense.

Witness 3 [03:40]: "They received a call from a Priscilla Bradford who was hysterical on the phone saying that she had killed her husband."

Upon arrival, officers found Priscilla with visible injuries and the body of John Bradford displaying multiple head and torso injuries, suggesting a violent struggle.

Detective 1 [05:22]: "It was horrific, it really was. It was just a bloody mess. He was unrecognizable."

Three other women were present in the home: Priscilla’s daughter Eden, and employees Joyce Cummings and Janice Gould. All appeared distressed and had minor injuries consistent with the alleged confrontation.

Investigation

Initial Statements and Suspicion

As detectives began piecing together the events, inconsistencies in the women's statements raised red flags. Priscilla claimed that John had been abusive, and her friends intervened to protect her. However, further investigation revealed underlying motives and deceit.

Witness 2 [13:04]: "Looking at the scene of his body, they observed the frying pan... it's excessive because he might have felt that she needed more force because he's a man."

Uncovering Hidden Agendas

Detectives discovered that both Priscilla and John had filed for divorce, with John seeking to exclude Priscilla from business and personal assets. This revelation pointed towards possible financial and control motives behind the murder.

Witness 3 [23:20]: "John told his attorney that he believed Priscilla Bradford was trying to kill him."

Further testimonies from employees and family members exposed Priscilla's manipulative nature and her recruitment of Joyce and Janice into her malicious plans.

Eden’s Testimony

Eden Bradford, Priscilla’s 14-year-old daughter, became a pivotal witness. Initially hesitant, Eden eventually disclosed the truth about her mother’s orchestrated plot to murder John Bradford.

Witness 2 [32:34]: "She put together a killing squad, recruiting her friends and employees, Joyce and Janice, to help."

Eden revealed that Priscilla had planned and executed the murder with the assistance of her accomplices, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.

Arrests and Trial

Apprehension of the Perpetrators

On April 10, 1980, Joyce Cummings was arrested at the optometry lab, followed by Priscilla Bradford and Janice Gould at Priscilla's home. Their immediate surrender indicated knowledge of their guilt.

Witness 3 [38:14]: "They didn't resist. They knew they were being charged with murder."

Attempted Cover-Up and Sting Operation

While in custody, Priscilla and her accomplices attempted to solicit a hit on key witnesses, including detectives and employees, to silence them. This further solidified their intent and involvement in the conspiracy.

Witness 3 [40:08]: "We then set it up with this person in the jail to go back and tell them that we did know someone that could do the job."

The sting operation successfully exposed their continued malicious intents, leading to additional charges of solicitation of murder.

Plea and Sentencing

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Priscilla Bradford and Janice Gould pleaded guilty to John Bradford’s murder and were sentenced to life imprisonment on August 4, 1980.

Witness 1 [44:38]: "Priscilla and Janice both pled guilty, received life sentences each for the murder of John Bradford."

Joyce Cummings, choosing to fight the charges, was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison on August 14, 1980.

Aftermath

Impact on Eden Bradford

At only 14 years old, Eden was left to navigate the trauma of witnessing her stepfather's murder and the betrayal by her mother. She struggled with the loss and the shattering of her childhood.

Witness 2 [45:51]: "I was probably upset, I was probably sad that I'm probably never going to see my mother again. You know, she was still my mother."

Fates of the Perpetrators

Priscilla Bradford remained incarcerated until her death in July 2006 due to complications from a lung infection. Janice Gould was released on parole in April 2011 after serving 30 years, while Joyce Cummings was released on February 11, 2025.

Narrator [47:15]: "Joyce Cummings was released from prison on February 11, 2025. Janice Gold was released on parole in April 2011 after serving 30 years of her life sentence."

Conclusion

The Priscilla Bradford case serves as a chilling reminder of how greed, control, and manipulation can lead to heinous crimes. Through meticulous investigation and the brave testimony of Eden Bradford, the truth was unveiled, bringing justice to John Bradford and safeguarding future witnesses from further harm.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Witness 2 [06:22]: "Dr. Bradford was from a very large family. These were really devout, strong Texan men, good caliber of people."

• Witness 2 [09:37]: "I liked him, you know, he was a really neat guy and he really, really worked hard at including me, you know, as a member of his family."

• Detective 1 [05:22]: "It was horrific, it really was. It was just a bloody mess. He was unrecognizable."

• Witness 3 [13:04]: "Looking at the scene of his body, they observed the frying pan... it's excessive because he might have felt that she needed more force because he's a man."

• Witness 3 [23:20]: "John told his attorney that he believed Priscilla Bradford was trying to kill him."

• Witness 2 [32:34]: "She put together a killing squad, recruiting her friends and employees, Joyce and Janice, to help."

• Witness 1 [44:38]: "Priscilla and Janice both pled guilty, received life sentences each for the murder of John Bradford."

• Witness 2 [45:51]: "I was probably upset, I was probably sad that I'm probably never going to see my mother again. You know, she was still my mother."

These moments encapsulate the emotional and factual landscape of the case, providing listeners with a powerful insight into the events that transpired.