A Kentucky man, aged 43, is facing murder charges following the death of his father, a former reserve deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Brandon Thomas McQuillen is accused of planting a bomb under his father’s car and shooting him. The victim, 65-year-old John Thomas McQuillen, had served in the sheriff’s office in Louisville for ten years.
According to the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to a call in Middletown around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival at the 1200 block of Winter Springs, they discovered a man who had been shot. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. While at the scene, officers found a suspicious package.
The police department’s bomb squad was called to the scene and safely detonated the suspicious package. The police also located an old ambulance vehicle they believe was used by the suspect in the murder.
A criminal complaint obtained by local Fox affiliate WDRB revealed that the bomb was found under the elder McQuillen’s vehicle. The police reportedly discovered an AR-15 rifle and multiple items consistent with the manufacture of explosives in Brandon McQuillen’s vehicle and home. Handwritten notes indicating his intention to kill his father were also found.
Two workers installing fences nearby witnessed the arrest of the younger McQuillen, which took place less than two miles from the murder scene. The workers reported that a man exited the vehicle, claiming he was having engine trouble and asked if he was obstructing their work.
A local resident, Wendy Wilburn, told WDRB that she saw the police apprehend the suspect. She described how they broke a window on the back of the vehicle and released smoke bombs inside. A man emerged from the smoke-filled vehicle shortly after.
The father and son had reportedly filed emergency protection orders against each other in recent years. Brandon McQuillen had a previous conviction for kidnapping and other charges related to an incident where he chained an ex-girlfriend to the ceiling of a home for 12 hours. During this time, he assaulted her with a Taser, fists, and a pool cue. He served three years in prison for these crimes.
In addition to the murder charge, Brandon McQuillen is also facing charges for possession of a firearm by a felon and violation of an emergency protection order. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $1 million bond.