Student found murdered in Lubbock

by Caroline Basile, editor-in-chief

Friends of South Plains College student Bradford McIver came upon a scene of horror when they discovered him dead inside his Lubbock apartment early on the evening of March 18.

A frantic 911 call was made by the group of friends after they found McIver's body around 6:30 p.m. Authorities quickly arrived on scene at the Indiana Village Apartments in the 700 block of North Indiana Avenue where McIver, a native of Albany, was stabbed to death inside of his apartment, no. 3123.

The 19-year-old's death is being investigated as a homicide. As of now, Lubbock police have made no arrests in the case. The only thing known about the suspect was that he or she was injured during the attack and might have received medical treatment soon after the murder occurred. McIver was stabbed multiple times, and there was an apparent struggle as furniture was overturned in the apartment.

"We believe that the suspect was injured and received medical care," said Lt. Jon Caspell of the Lubbock Police Department.

Police have not issued an exact time of death, but the attack is believed to have occurred some time between March 15, when McIver last checked his MySpace and Facebook accounts on the Internet and March 18, when his body was discovered.

"Solving a crime depends on each specific case," Caspell added. "For the most part, in Lubbock most homicide cases are solved quickly, since they are mostly associates or spouses involved. So in most cases, we are able to establish that on scene, but this case is different. It can be solved in a matter of hours or days if we get that certain break or tip. It all depends on what tips or information we receive, and if people are willing to share information."

McIver was the only child of Glen and Jaquelyn McIver, also of Albany.  He was a 2006 graduate of Albany High School.

"Since his door was unlocked," Caspell said,  "we don't know one way or another if the assailant forced entry in to the apartment or not. If it is a random crime, it wouldn't surprise us if the guy walked in. Then again, it could be the indication that McIver may have known his attacker.”

Remembered by friends and classmates as a very funny and caring individual, McIver will be missed by those he became acquainted with while he attended SPC.

"I remember when I met Bradford two years ago," said current SPC student Kaysha Dunaway. "He was really nice to everyone he came across and was an all-around great person.  We would just hang out. He would come over and just hang out, and we’d make cookies, play video games, or do something fun.”

Dunaway said she was left in shock after receiving the news of her friend’s murder.

“I found out while I was at work,” Dunaway said as she described how she first learned of McIver’s death. “I received a text message from a friend, and I was left in absolute shock.”

McIver was a freshman public relations major and had been attending SPC since Fall 2006.  He was very interested in photography and writing. He spent a semester on the staff of the Plainsman Press, writing several articles and opinion columns. 

"I will always remember Bradford as one of the newsroom clowns," said Ray Buffington, former editor-in-chief of the Plainsman Press and current news editor for The Shorthorn, the campus newspaper at the University of Texas at Arlington. "I used to call him "MacGyver" because of his ability to craft hilarious jokes out of mundane topics. Bradford was a genuinely nice guy. He always had a joke or two to lighten up the newsroom, and rarely was seen without a smile on his face. His humor and kindness will be terribly missed."

McIver was currently enrolled in several classes, including a speech class taught by Janna Holt-Day, assistant professor of speech on the Levelland campus.

“He was energetic and lively,” Holt-Day said of McIver. “He was kind and enjoyed being around others.”

Holt-Day attended McIver’s funeral, which was held in his hometown of Albany on March 20.

“There were many people there, and I was happy and comforted to know that he was loved,” Holt-Day added. “As a teacher, you want to get to know your students better, but I never got the opportunity while I had Bradford in class.”

A $1,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of McIver's killer. Those with information are encouraged to call the Lubbock Crimeline at (806) 741-1000. Callers may remain anonymous.

*Photo courtesy of Student Activities Office