SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane County judge sentenced a woman to nearly three decades in prison Thursday for the murder of her father, approximately one month after she was found guilty.
Alyssa Bradburn, 33, received a 28-year prison sentence for shooting and killing her father Timothy in June 2024. Judge Julie McKay also imposed a no-contact order preventing Bradburn from ever contacting her brother, Trace Bradburn.
During the sentencing hearing, Trace Bradburn spoke about the devastating impact of losing his father.
“I just have to live my life with that … and it just guts me every day,” he said in court.
Trace Bradburn also defended his father’s memory against his sister’s initial claims of abuse.
“The false accusations made against him have deeply tarnished his memory and that is devastating to me because my dad was an amazing man and he never did anything to hurt anyone,” he said.
The case revealed disturbing details about the premeditated nature of the crime. Bradburn journaled about planning to murder her father for three weeks before the killing and even practiced firing a gun. She called 911 immediately after the shooting and turned herself in to authorities.
Initially, Bradburn told police her father was abusive to her and her dogs, claiming she acted in self-defense. However, she later withdrew those claims. Bradburn has no prior criminal history.
“Unfortunately, the crime Ms. Bradburn decided to start her criminal history with is the most significant and serious that we have,” Judge McKay said during sentencing.
Prosecutors argued for a sentence at the higher end of the guidelines, citing the deliberate and premeditated nature of the crime.
“The evidence that was presented during this trial demonstrated an extreme and elaborate degree of planning,” said Emily Sullivan, deputy prosecuting attorney.
Bradburn’s defense attorney sought a lesser sentence, pointing to his client’s mental health struggles.
“Ms. Bradburn suffers from a state where she sometimes blurs fantasy with reality,” said defense attorney Brian Raymon.
Judge McKay ultimately delivered a mid-range sentence of 280 months, plus a 60-month firearm enhancement. Bradburn must also complete three years of community custody and pay more than $4,500 in restitution.
At times during the sentencing hearing, Bradburn could be seen smiling. When given the opportunity to make a statement, she declined.
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