In a tragic incident that has left the community of Independence, Kentucky, in shock, a young mother was brutally murdered by her ex-fiancé just days after a chilling 911 call raised alarms about his threatening behavior. The victim, 24-year-old Heaven Glisten, was shot dead along with an innocent bystander, 33-year-old Dalen Bradford, during a violent outburst that unfolded in the Taylor Ridge apartment complex.
The chaos began late on a Sunday night, September 19, when neighbors reported gunfire echoing through the complex. By the end of the night, three lives were lost, including Glisten’s and Bradford’s, who had merely been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that just two days prior, Glisten’s family had reached out to law enforcement expressing their fears about Donald Bryant, her ex-fiancé and the father of her youngest child. In a 911 call, a relative warned dispatch that Bryant was at Glisten’s apartment and would not leave, despite not being on the lease.
Glisten had recently relocated to the area in an effort to escape Bryant, who she confided in her family had been abusive. Police were called on Friday night when Bryant reportedly followed Glisten into the parking lot and attempted to take her phone. Officers arrived but ultimately let him leave without arrest, perceiving the situation as an “emotional crisis.” Unfortunately, this decision did not prevent the violence that ensued two nights later.
Witnesses described the harrowing moments that followed the initial gunfire, as police arrived to find Bradford injured in the parking lot. It was reported that he had gone to retrieve diapers for his child when he encountered Glisten and Bryant. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Bradford may have been trying to intervene in the escalating confrontation between the ex-couple.
As the situation escalated, police established a perimeter around the complex and deployed SWAT teams, drones, and K-9 units to locate the suspects. Tragically, hours later, officers found the bodies of Glisten and Bryant in a wooded area behind the apartments. Investigators later confirmed that Bryant died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while Bradford succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The aftermath has left Glisten’s family grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Christina Cochran, Glisten’s grandmother, shared that her granddaughter had once viewed Bryant as her “night in shining armor,” but had recently expressed fears about his behavior. Court records reveal that Bryant had a prior assault charge, raising concerns about his potential for violence.
Retired detective commander Will Selar discussed the systemic issues highlighted by this case, particularly the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing domestic violence situations. He emphasized the need for better protocols and resources to protect vulnerable victims, noting that the cycle of domestic violence often escalates after a breakup. Selar lamented the lack of effective intervention strategies, which could potentially save lives.
As the community mourns the loss of Glisten and the senseless death of Bradford, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for victims of domestic violence. The question remains: could this tragedy have been prevented? For now, the grieving families and the shaken community are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.
