Twice-convicted murderer found guilty of killing Elisha Tucker

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The jury has found twice-convicted killer James Bradley guilty of murdering Elisha Tucker.

Investigators found Tucker’s body was found in Hampstead in 2014 while searching for another woman, Bradley was convicted of killing Shannon Rippy Van Newkirk.

District Attorney Ben David says it’s clear that Bradley is guilty of murdering Tucker. Today the jury agreed convicting Bradley on first-degree murder.

David spent closing arguments driving home three main points: linking Bradley to Tucker, the bindings used, the location of the body, and blood found in Bradley’s truck.

This means Bradley WILL BE eligible for the death penalty

— Kylie Jones WWAY (@kyliejoneswway) March 26, 2019

Sentencing for Bradley is set to begin Thursday morning. David says they plan to hear from several witnesses during Bradley’s sentencing.

Family and friends of Van Newkirk were in court Tuesday. They said they are happy with the verdict.