Federal grand jury indicts Berea bank robbery suspect. He could face death penalty
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal grand jury indicted 18-year-old Brailen Weaver on counts tied to the Berea bank.
- Indictment includes special findings that could lead to the death penalty.
- Weaver was arrested after a high-speed I‑75 pursuit and a gun was found in his car.
The 18-year-old man who shot and killed two employees during a bank robbery in Berea last month has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Brailen Weaver was indicted on one count of attempted armed bank robbery, resulting in the death of two victims, and two counts of causing death with a firearm in the course of a crime of violence. Prosecutors said the grand jury also returned special findings that could lead to Weaver receiving the death penalty if convicted.
The bank robbery happened April 30 at the U.S. Bank on Chestnut Street in Berea. A federal affidavit says Weaver entered the bank, shot and killed Brian Switzer, shot and killed Breanna Edwards shortly afterward before checking multiple drawers and fleeing the bank.
Officials identified Weaver as the suspect through the vehicle he fled in and social media posts, according to the affidavit.
The FBI found Weaver’s vehicle on Interstate 75 Thursday night and tried to chase it, but the affidavit says he drove faster than 100 mph and avoided a set of spike strips before exiting the interstate at exit 115 in Lexington. Kentucky State Police previously said the pursuit ended on Bryan Station Road and Weaver fled on foot.
Weaver was arrested a few hours after the vehicle pursuit. The affidavit says officials found a gun inside his car.
Weaver has appeared in federal court twice and waived his rights to a detention hearing and preliminary hearing in separate appearances. He is being held at the Woodford County Detention Center under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Weaver is also expected to face charges related to the incident at the state level, as Attorney General Russell Coleman previously said he plans to pursue murder charges against Weaver too.
Community members have supported victims of the shooting by donating to online fundraisers for Switzer and Edwards and providing food to a surviving employee. U.S. Bank has also supported impacted employees by making counseling services available and visiting Berea to offer support.
