An 18-year-old accused of gunning down two Kentucky bank employees during a robbery was quickly tracked down when investigators linked him to his own Facebook posts.
Brailen Weaver was charged with armed bank robbery and firearms offenses causing death after the Thursday shooting at a US Bank branch in Berea, court records show.
Kentucky State Police later identified the victims as Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42.
A silver BMW seen on surveillance video became a key break in the case as investigators matched the vehicle to a car that Weaver had listed for sale on Facebook, according to an FBI affidavit filed Friday, the Associated Press reported.
The FBI also tied the suspect’s clothing to photos Weaver had posted online, and said he kept posting on social media after the deadly robbery.
Officials later spotted the BMW on Interstate 75 Thursday night, triggering a high-speed chase between Weaver and police.
The pursuit continued into Lexington, where speeds exceeded 130 mph before the car crashed and the suspect ran off on foot, the affidavit said.
The FBI affidavit detailing the case was written before the capture and does not mention an arrest.
But Kentucky State Police Officer Justin Kearney said in a social media post Friday that a “person of interest believed to be involved in yesterday’s Berea bank robbery has been apprehended.”
Weaver entered the bank just before 2 p.m. Thursday and “immediately shot and killed a male victim” before fatally shooting a teller, according to the affidavit.
He then checked multiple drawers and fled. Authorities have not said whether any money was taken.
“While there is no longer imminent danger, we understand that the tragedy is far from over for the community,” said Olivia Olson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville office.
“The only solace that we can offer is that this individual, who valued a stolen dollar more than two human lives, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Weaver could also face state charges tied to the killings.
US Bank said it was working with authorities and supporting victims’ families.
“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today,” the company said.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”
Read the full article here
