The Crimes: A Photographer’s Deadly Deception
Bradford used his guise as a professional photographer to lure victims with the promise of modelling opportunities. In July 1984, while out on bail for a rape charge, he met Shari Miller, a barmaid in Los Angeles. Convincing her to pose for a portfolio, he took Miller to a remote desert campsite, photographed her, and then strangled her. He mutilated her body, removing tattoos and dumping her corpse in a Hollywood alley, where she was initially identified as “Jane Doe #60.”
Shortly after, Bradford targeted his 15-year-old neighbour, Tracey Campbell. Using the same pretext of a modelling career, he took her to the same desert campsite, photographed her, and strangled her. Bradford left her body at the site, covering her face with Miller’s blouse in a gruesome display.
Arrest and Investigation
Bradford’s capture was set into motion when investigators linked him to Tracey Campbell as the last person seen with her. A search of his apartment revealed photographs of Miller, Campbell, and 54 other unidentified women, many in posed settings. Detectives used a rock formation visible in one of Miller’s photos to locate the desert campsite, where they discovered Campbell’s decomposed body.
Bradford was arrested and later pleaded no contest to the rape charge for which he had been out on bail, receiving an eight-year sentence. While in custody, police connected him to the murders of Campbell and Miller.
Trial and Conviction
Bradford represented himself during his 1988 trial. Offering no defence or argument for his innocence, he used his closing statement to chillingly imply responsibility for additional murders, stating, “Think of how many you don’t even know about.” The jury convicted Bradford of both murders, sentencing him to death.
Life on Death Row
Bradford spent two decades on death row at San Quentin State Prison. He gained media attention for his poetry, earning the moniker “Death Row Poet.” In 1998, he attempted to hasten his execution, citing unbearable prison conditions, but later reversed his decision, professing his innocence.
2006: The Photographs Resurface
In 2006, Los Angeles police reignited interest in Bradford’s case by releasing photos of the 54 unidentified women found in his apartment. Investigators believed many could be additional victims, murdered under similar circumstances. At least one woman, identified as Donnalee Campbell Duhamel, was confirmed to be among Bradford’s victims. Duhamel’s decapitated body had been discovered in Malibu in 1978, and police linked her to Bradford through evidence suggesting they had met shortly before her death.
Among the photographed women was Nika LaRue, sister of actress Eva LaRue. While Nika survived her encounter with Bradford, her involvement brought renewed attention to the case. An episode of CSI: Miami titled “Darkroom” was inspired by Bradford’s crimes.
Lingering Questions
Despite Bradford’s conviction for two murders, the true extent of his crimes remains a mystery. Many of the women in his photographs are still unidentified, and authorities have speculated that Bradford could be responsible for dozens more murders across the United States. Bradford’s connections to other crimes, including the 1982 murder of Mischa Stewart, a 23-year-old man strangled in Santa Monica, highlight his extensive history of violence.
Death and Legacy
William Bradford died of natural causes on March 10, 2008, while incarcerated at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville. His death closed a dark chapter but left many questions unanswered. For families of his suspected victims, the release of the photos remains a haunting reminder of lives lost and mysteries unsolved.
Bradford’s case underscores the importance of vigilance and the enduring impact of violent crimes. His chilling photographs and heinous acts serve as stark reminders of the predators who hide in plain sight.
