A brazen bank robbery in Kentucky has left two employees dead and a teenager will reportedly be charged with their murders, according to Lex18-WLEX TV. In a late afternoon update on Friday, May 1, the outlet reported, "Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Friday that he will pursue state murder charges against 18-year-old Brailen Weaver following a bank robbery in Berea that left two people dead."
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The outlet also mentions that there is reportedly a federal criminal complaint against the suspect. It allegedly charges Weaver "with armed bank robbery and related offenses."
A statement via the outlet noted the following developments. "The Kentucky Attorney General's Office is working collaboratively with federal authorities, and we will pursue state murder charges following the shootings in Berea. We are supporting the fine men and women of Kentucky law enforcement who worked through the night to apprehend this criminal. For the families of the two Kentuckians killed, we will do everything possible to deliver justice."
The Robbery and Murders Happened on Thursday, April 30
Per the New York Post, the deadly heist took place at the US Bank in Berea on Thursday, April 30, around 2 p.m. The robber lethally shot Brian Switzer, 42, and Breanna Bryant Edwards, 35. When police arrived on scene, they reportedly found the two with gunshot wounds. "The pair was later pronounced dead," per the Post.
Social Media Played a Role in Identifying the Suspect
Social media was apparently pivotal in identifying and locating Weaver, per WLEX-TV. For example, surveillance video depicted a silver BMW "near the scene." It was evidently connected to a Facebook listing [that] was posted by an account with the display name Brailen Weaver...."
Additionally, pictures of Weaver on social media reportedly show him. He allegedly has on the same shoes and pants as shown on the suspect in bank surveillance footage.
A US Bank Exec Expressed Her Sorrow
Cheryl Leamon, who is the senior vice president for US Bank, issued a statement. It said, "We're deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the loves of two of our employees in Berea, Kentucky. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community. We are committed to supporting the victims' families and our colleagues. And we will continue to work closely with law enforcement on this active investigation."
A GoFundMe was established for Brian Switzer's wife and three young children. An Overflow Coffee Co. is fundraising to help with the funeral expenses of Breanna Bryant Edwards.
