KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |Domestic dispute turns deadly

Domestic dispute turns deadly

By Lakecia Shockley - bio | email
Posted by Ellen Krafve - email

CORNETT, TX (KLTV) - An armed East Texas man was gunned down by authorities all over a domestic dispute. Michael Dean Bradshaw was fatally shot last night at a home in the Cornett Community of Cass County, near Hughes Springs. Neighbors say they never thought this would happen to him.

"It's a real shock to this community," said Pamela Higgins. "I mean, this is Cornett Community. It's really small."

That was until Sunday night, when two officers arrived at this house and found the homeowner armed with two pistols in his driveway, coming towards them.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Brenda Dannelley, a family friend. "I still can't let it all soak in that something like that has happened."

Authorities say Bradshaw and his wife had gotten into an altercation when she called 9-1-1. But, neighbors say the Bradshaw's marital disputes are news to them.

"I've never known them to be in an argument," said Dannelley. "They've always got along good you know? They've been together for as long as I can remember. He's always been real nice. I knew his wife. She was always a sweet heart."

Armed with two pistols, Bradshaw refused to drop his weapons. That's when authorities opened fire, fatally gunning him down in his driveway.

"It was just really a shock," said Dannelley. "I just never would have thought of it in a million years. Never!"

Neighbors say Bradshaw was never a threat to them, but he was still grieving the death of his son.

"He took his own life at home and nobody really knows why he did it," said Dannelley. "So, I think that's one thing that really bothered Mike. I just can't imagine how they're going to deal with this."

The Cass County sheriff said they do not know of any prior run-ins that Bradshaw had with the law. The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.

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