On Thursday, Jan. 15, Keith Roberts Jr. opened fire inside a medical lab where his ex-girlfriend worked, just after 12:45 p.m., shooting her and a coworker.
Police say Roberts Jr. entered the lab armed with a shotgun and a handgun. His ex-girlfriend, Myshaela Burnham, 29, was pronounced dead. Her coworker was seriously injured, underwent surgery, and is now recovering.
Roberts Jr. fled the scene but was stopped and arrested about 20 minutes later by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Police say he acknowledged knowing exactly why he was being stopped.
Investigators say Roberts Jr., a security guard at Manatee Memorial Hospital, had been in a long-term relationship with Burnham that recently ended. Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer described Roberts Jr. as a terrorist, saying his actions terrorized the victims and that the children’s lives involved will be changed forever. He also called the shooting “cruel” and “evil.”
Roberts Jr. is charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. A judge ordered no bond. He is due back in court on Jan. 24th at 8:30 a.m.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by the victim’s family has raised just over $10,000 of its $12,000 goal as of January 19, with the funds going toward her son’s future and needs.
