Kelvin Bernard Bradford

Kelvin Bernard Bradford, known affectionately by friends and family as “Big Man,” was a beloved figure in his Gadsden, Alabama, community, remembered for his positive influence and willingness to help others. Born on April 12, 1970, he was the youngest son of Eugene and Geraldine Bradford. Kelvin grew up in Gadsden, attending local schools and graduating from Gadsden High School in 1988. He went on to pursue higher education at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications in 1994. A man of many talents and interests, Kelvin was a dedicated member of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, which he joined in the spring of 1990. His fraternity brothers recalled him as a respected source of fraternal history and instruction.

Throughout his life, Kelvin, a 49-year-old Black male, worked in various roles across Alabama, many of them in the educational field, touching lives from Gadsden to Huntsville and beyond. He was known for his ability to connect with people and serve as a positive force in their lives. Inheriting his father's skills, he was also a gifted handyman, a "jack of all trades" who could be counted on for help with any task. He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church from an early age. His life was one of community engagement and connection, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him. He was a loving companion and a father to five sons and one daughter.

The tragic end to Kelvin Bradford’s life came in the early morning hours of Friday, May 24, 2019. At approximately 2:20 a.m., Gadsden Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Henry Street. Upon their arrival at a residence, they discovered Kelvin inside, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel from the Gadsden Fire Department were dispatched to the scene, but his injury was fatal, and he was pronounced deceased inside the home.

The Gadsden Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into Kelvin’s death. His murder was one of several violent crimes that occurred in the city around that time, raising concerns about public safety among residents and community leaders. Detectives began processing the scene and seeking information from the public to understand the events that led to the fatal shooting.

In the days following the killing, law enforcement officials appealed to the community for assistance. Detective Jeff Hopper of the Gadsden Police Department was named as the point of contact for any information related to the case. The department provided phone numbers for the public to call with any tips that might lead to identifying who was responsible for Kelvin Bradford's death.

A celebration of Kelvin's life was held on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Galilee Baptist Church, where he had been a longtime member. Friends and family gathered to mourn his passing and share memories of the man they knew as "Big Man." He was later laid to rest at Lincoln Hill Cemetery. The outpouring of love and support demonstrated the deep roots he had in the community and the profound loss felt by his sudden and violent death.

Years have passed since Kelvin Bradford was killed, and his case remains unsolved. Despite the initial investigation and public pleas for information, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Gadsden Police Department has not released any new information regarding potential motives or persons of interest. The case stands as a painful open wound for his family, friends, and the wider Gadsden community. Anyone with information about the homicide of Kelvin Bernard Bradford is still encouraged to contact Gadsden Police Detective Jeff Hopper at 256-549-4634 or 256-549-4500.