On July 5, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m., troopers responded to the 7000 block of Sugar Maple Drive in Sugar Maple Farms, Milford, for a welfare check after a man called 9-1-1 to report that he had killed his wife and hung up. 9-1-1 dispatchers and arriving troopers made multiple attempts to reach the man but were unsuccessful. Ultimately, members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team entered the residence and found a 38-year-old woman with gunshot wounds and a 43-year-old man with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld until their families are notified.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Z. Spudis by calling (302) 752-3795. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police(Opens in a new window.) or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers(Opens in a new window.) at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center(Opens in a new window.) is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
The Milford, Delaware, community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jessica Bradley, 38, whose life was tragically cut short on July 5 in a devastating incident at her home in the Sugar Maple Farms community. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, neighbors, and all who knew her grieving the loss of a woman remembered for the love she shared, the relationships she built, and the lasting impact she made on those around her.
According to the Delaware State Police, troopers responded at approximately 4:15 p.m. to a residence in the 7000 block of Sugar Maple Drive after receiving a 911 call reporting a deadly situation inside the home. Authorities stated that the caller claimed he had killed his wife before disconnecting the call. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact those inside the residence, members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team entered the home.
Investigators reported that Jessica Bradley was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response efforts. Authorities also found Brooks Bradley, 43, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the case remains active.
While the investigation continues, those closest to Jessica are choosing to remember her life rather than the tragedy that ended it. Family and friends recall her as someone whose presence brought comfort, kindness, and love to those fortunate enough to know her. The memories she created with loved ones, the friendships she cherished, and the compassion she showed others will remain an enduring part of her legacy.
Jessica’s passing has deeply affected the Milford community, where many have expressed heartfelt condolences and support for her family. Friends and neighbors continue to share memories celebrating her life, offering prayers and encouragement as her loved ones navigate this unimaginable loss. The overwhelming response reflects the profound impact Jessica had on those around her and the void her passing has left behind.
As authorities continue gathering evidence and reviewing the events leading up to the tragedy, community members are encouraged to rely on verified information released by law enforcement rather than speculation. Respect for the family’s privacy remains especially important during this difficult time as they mourn and begin the healing process.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Jessica Bradley’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating loss. May they find strength in the support surrounding them, comfort in the cherished memories they hold close, and peace in knowing that Jessica’s life touched so many in meaningful ways. Though her life ended far too soon, her love, kindness, and memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
May Jessica Bradley rest in eternal peace, forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.