The Integrated Homicide Investigation team has laid charges in the 2011 Christmas Eve slaying of Bradley McPherson. Russell Bidesi, 22, has been charged with second-degree murder, IHIT announced Monday morning.
Bidesi has already been charged in connection to the fatal stabbing of Kacey Rogers on Feb. 26, 2012. Police said there is no link between the two murders and Bidesi has been in custody since his arrest two days after Rogers’ murder.
McPherson, who was 28 at the time of his death, was at an after hours Christmas Party in Surrey when he was fatally shot. Police said McPherson did not have a criminal record and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
McPherson’s mother Susan Simning, who was in attendance at the announcement Monday, described her son as a fun-loving family man who stood up to a bully the night of his murder.
“He loved his family and always did his best to watch over us and make sure people showed respect. Growing up with his mother and sisters he learned early the importance of respecting women,” she said in a statement.
“Brad was doing just that the night he was murdered. He stood up to a bully, who was disrespecting a number of individuals at the party he attended. And for that his life was taken.”
Simning said the loss of her son has had a devastating impact on the whole family.
“This past year and a half has been very troubling for our family. We have endured many occasions which Bradley would always be a part of. His joyous presence always evident. From his hearty laughter to his enoromous bearhugs and devotion to family.
No parent should suffer the loss of a child and there will always be an empty spot in our heart,” Simning wrote.
“Brad was a young, innocent good man with good values, known by his friends as a great guy who was always there for you,” she continued. “My son has finally got his justice, now maybe he can rest in peace.”
Here is the full statement from Bradley’s mother:
Early the morning of December 24, 2011 I was awoken with a knock on my door. I answered to find two of my son’s friends standing there. I asked where is Brad? I was told he had been shot and was dead. My screams of anguish and sobs where heard my Brad’s younger sister and she came running from her room to be told her brother was dead. Hours of hell where endured as family and friends were called to our home awaiting details from the police. When they finally arrived they confirmed that there was a shooting and they were still awaiting identity of the victim and coroners reports.
Knowing that your child is hurt or worse, and not being able to go to their side was sheer hell. Once confirmed it was my son Brad, my worst nightmare continued as I was not allowed to see him to go to his side to say goodbye because it now became a murder investigation.
The loss of our beloved Bradley has broken our family, he was the link that held us all together. The token man of our family.
It reminds me of a quote from his mass card- Our family Chain is broken, and nothing feels the same.
Bradley was loved by many, from his immediate family to his vast amount of friends. He was not only a son, but little brother, big brother,cousin, Uncle Brad and nephew.
Brad’s older sister Jennie misses her brother and best friend. She deals with questions on a daily basis from her son who adored Uncle Brad. He asks when he’s coming home from heaven? Just this past December she gave birth to a little girl, which she named after her beloved brother. A baby girl whom Brad would have loved to cuddle and spoil. Brad’s baby sister Mariah suffers continually the loss of her big brother, never will he be there to watch over her like a big brother is supposed to do and guide her thru her teenage years and early adult life. The loss of Brad has also affected his older adopted sister Melanie, who helped raise young Bradley and his sisters. Melanie’s children also miss their Uncle Brad dearly.
Brad always wanted to protect people, He loved his family and always did his best to watch over us and make sure people showed respect. Growing up with his mother and sisters he learned early the importance of respecting woman. Brad was doing just that the night he was murdered. He stood up to a Bully, who was disrespecting a number of individuals at the party he attended. And for that his life was taken.
Brad was a young, innocent good man with good values, known by his friends as a great guy who was always there for you. The impact of his murder has devastated not only his family but many friends and loved ones.
This past year and a half has been very troubling for our family. We have endured many occasions which Bradley would always be a part of. His joyous presence always evident. From his hearty laughter to his enoromous bearhugs and devotion to family. No parent should suffer the loss of a child and there will always be an empty spot in our heart.
His loss has heightened our family values and brought out strength we never knew we had. This strength has helped us endure hearing the recent news that the person responsible for the murder of Bradley John McPherson has finally been charged for his death. My son has finally got his Justice, now maybe he can rest in peace.
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