Anonymous Shooter Apologizes via Note for Killing Man; 'God Forgives, but Not if You're Hiding It,' Widow Says
After a hunter was found dead on December 2, 2013, an anonymous letter arrived at the local sheriff's office, asking for forgiveness and apologizing for shooting the man. However, the author still remains anonymous and there are no new leads in the shooting of Larry Bradley, 45.
"I am so sorry for the hurt and pain that I caused on that day can u please tell the family I am so sorry," the simple note said.
Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning did not know what to make of the note. Was it authentic? Did it mean the killer was ready to confess to his or her crime? Should he show it to the widow, Denise Bradley, who was busy raising two young girls?
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"The struggle there is, do you release it or do you not release it?" Browning asked The Columbus Dispatch. "Obviously one option is to sit on it until you hear something else."
Of course, the note brought up painful and happy memories for Denise, who was the last person to speak to Larry while he was alive. He called Denise moments after he'd been shot, asking for help. Unfortunately, by the time help arrived, Larry had succumbed to his injury and died in his deer-stand.
"Riley [8] said she was glad Daddy got to spend Christmas with Jesus this year," Denise told the Dispatch.
Yet she wants the killer to come forward and claim responsibility for Larry's death, even if it was an accident, which authorities believe.
"God forgives, but not if you're hiding it," she told the Gallia Herald. "I was justice for him. A letter just isn't enough. I know accidents can happen, but when they're this big, you take responsibility for it."
Larry was a United States Marine who also served in the Navy Reserves. He was a member of the Vinton Baptist Church and was very faithful to his family and church.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gallia County Sheriff's Office at (740) 446-1221.
