Man arrested in Columbus following Russell County murder, denied bond

Russell County, Ala. (WTVM) - The man, Bradley Wayne Stokes, has been extradited back to Russell County where he was denied bond and awaits a court date.

Stokes was arrested in Columbus on Saturday. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor states the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stokes for attempting to elude Saturday afternoon.

Sheriff Taylor held a news conference on Sunday morning to outline the arrest. Authorities state Stokes was placed on probation after serving 14 years of a 16 year prison sentence for federal gun charges and manslaughter.

Stokes, who was released from prison on June 2, allegedly began a romantic relationship with 37-year-old Treasure Hennessy.

Sheriff Taylor states his office is in possession of numerous domestic violence calls reported by Hennessy in the last two months.

Hennessy reportedly was given permission to move into the Fort Mitchell Fire Station at Black Bottom Road in an effort to avoid Stokes.

Authorities believe Stokes found where Hennessy was living and ambushed her on Friday. Hennessy’s body was found at the fire department. Sheriff Taylor also reports Hennessy was 8-weeks pregnant.

Investigators believe Stokes was concerned Hennessy may pursue an arrest warrant for Stokes in regard to the domestic violence calls. The warrant would have violated Stokes parole and sent him back to prison.

Authorities confiscated a car and knife belonging to Stokes.

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