RUSSELL COUNTY, ALABAMA: Bradley Wayne Stokes Found Dead in Prison Cell After Murdering Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend

Russell County, Alabama was shaken by the tragic death of Bradley Wayne Stokes, a man serving a life sentence for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend at a domestic violence shelter. On September 17, Stokes took his own life in prison, leaving behind a haunting legacy of violence and pain.

Stokes, 39, had a history of brutal violence towards his partners. He had previously served 14 years of a 16-year sentence in prison for killing another girlfriend in 2008, only to be released on June 2, 2022. This release would prove to be short-lived as the darkness within him continued to manifest.

The Tragic Discovery

On the morning of September 17, Bradley Wayne Stokes was found unresponsive in his cell at the Russell County Jail. Sheriff Heath Taylor shared the heart-wrenching news at a press conference, recounting the grim details of the discovery. The shocking reality of a life extinguished behind bars sent shockwaves throughout the community.

The call that alerted authorities came in at approximately 1:45 am, reporting an inmate in need of medical assistance after passing out from strangulation. The Russell County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly, but sadly, it was too late to save Stokes. The precise contents of the note he left behind, taped to the cell wall with a band-aid, remain undisclosed.

A Troubled Past

Bradley Wayne Stokes had a long and troubling history of violence towards women. In 2008, he was arrested for weapon charges and manslaughter following the shooting death of his then-girlfriend, Crystal Bailey. It was a crime that earned him a prison sentence for which he served 14 years.

Stokes’ patterns of aggression and brutality were evident, raising concerns about his potential for future violence. However, after being cleared by a psychiatrist on September 9, he was removed from suicide watch. This decision would prove catastrophic.

A Tragic Love Story Ends

The motive behind Stokes’ suicide can be traced back to his relationship with Treasure Hennessey, a woman who met a tragic fate at his hands. Stokes believed that Hennessey planned to file domestic violence charges against him, which would have violated his probation and inevitably sent him back to prison.

Though they had started dating shortly after Stokes’ release, the relationship deteriorated rapidly due to his violent tendencies. Hennessey filed multiple domestic violence reports against him, documenting her horrifying experiences. In an attempt to escape the abuse, she sought refuge in a domestic violence shelter, where she believed she would finally be safe.

Tragically, Hennessey’s refuge became her death trap. Stokes, consumed by rage and a twisted sense of control, tracked her down at the shelter and lay in wait outside. When he had the opportunity, he attacked her with a knife and later hid her vehicle behind a barn to cover his tracks. The brutality and premeditation of his actions were chilling.

Treasure Hennessey was not just a victim; she was a vibrant, caring barber and a mother to two sons from a previous relationship. Her life was cruelly cut short by a man whose capacity for violence knew no bounds.

Moving Forward

The tragic story of Bradley Wayne Stokes and the lives he took will forever serve as a painful reminder of the horrors domestic violence inflicts upon individuals and families. It is imperative that society continues to shed light on this issue, providing support to survivors and raising awareness about the devastating consequences of domestic violence.

May Treasure Hennessey and all the victims of domestic violence find peace, and may their stories inspire change.