(WKYT) – The suspect in last week’s deadly Berea bank robbery appeared in court for the first time.
Brailen Weaver, 18, walked into the United States federal courthouse Monday afternoon wearing a white T-shirt and black jeans with his hands shackled to a chain around his waist.
The courtroom remained quiet, despite the presence of more than a dozen people. The only thing that could be heard was the muffled sound of sobs.
Weaver is accused of shooting and killing Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42, inside a U.S. Bank in Berea last Thursday. Many of their loved ones packed the gallery, sitting just feet away from the man accused of killing them.
Police said it all happened as Weaver robbed the bank where the two victims worked. Investigators said Weaver then led several agencies on an hours-long chase before crashing his car in Lexington early Friday morning.
Federal charges
United States Magistrate Judge Matthew Stinnett read Weaver his rights before listing the federal charges against him. The charges include armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and causing death with a firearm during the crime of violence.
The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The second charge carries a sentence of five years or more. The third charge carries a maximum sentence of life or death.
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If he’s found guilty, Weaver must also pay restitution to the victims’ families.
Detention
United States prosecutors asked the court to detain Weaver for the course of this case.
Judge Stinnett agreed to a detention hearing. However, Weaver waived that right and will remain in U.S. Marshals custody. As of Monday evening, he is in the Woodford County Detention Center.
Before Weaver was escorted out of the courtroom by U.S. Marshals, he looked over to his loved ones in the gallery, who cried as he turned away.
Weaver’s defense attorney told WKYT he has no comment.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said he is trying to pursue state murder charges against Weaver as well.
Weaver’s next court date is scheduled for Tuesday morning.