Suspect Arrested After Double Homicide During Bank Robbery

An 18-year-old man, Braylen Weaver, has been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of two bank employees during a robbery in Kentucky. Investigators were able to track him down quickly through his social media activity on Facebook.

Weaver has been charged with armed bank robbery and use of a firearm resulting in death following the incident at a U.S. Bank branch in Bellaire, which took place on Thursday.

The victims have been identified as Brianna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42, by Kentucky State Police.

Authorities made a significant breakthrough when they identified a silver BMW seen in surveillance footage. This car matched a vehicle that Weaver had advertised for sale on Facebook, according to an FBI affidavit filed on Friday.

The FBI also connected the clothing Weaver wore during the robbery to images he had shared online, indicating he continued to be active on social media even after the tragic event.

Later that Thursday night, police spotted the car on Interstate 75, which led to a high-speed chase. Reports indicate that the vehicle reached speeds over 130 mph before crashing in Lexington, at which point Weaver fled on foot, according to the affidavit.

This affidavit, prepared before his arrest, doesn’t include specific details about the apprehension.

Authorities confirmed Weaver’s arrest via social media, mentioning a “key person” involved in the robbery had been detained.

The affidavit outlines that Weaver entered the bank shortly before 2 p.m. and “immediately shot and killed” the male victim, followed by shooting the teller. He then searched through some drawers before escaping, although it remains unclear if any money was taken.

In light of this tragedy, Olivia Olson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville office, expressed deep sympathy, stating that while there may no longer be an immediate threat, the community still faces significant grief. She emphasized that Weaver, who seemingly valued money over lives, would face the full extent of the law.

Weaver is also facing state charges related to the murders.

In response to the incident, U.S. Bank has expressed its sorrow and is cooperating with law enforcement while offering support to the families of the victims. Their statement conveyed heartfelt condolences to those affected by this devastating event.