Tacoma, Washington — Two people are facing murder charges after investigators say an Army veteran was killed and his body was abandoned near a military installation following an alleged dispute involving personal images stored on a cellphone.
According to court records, Aydee Casado-Dominguez, 21, and her fiancé, Humberto Rodriguez Hernandez, 21, have each been charged with second-degree murder, unlawful disposal of human remains, and six counts of second-degree identity theft in connection with the death of Caelick Bradley, a U.S. Army veteran.
The case began after Bradley’s mother contacted authorities when she was unable to reach her son before his planned move back to Virginia.
Welfare Check Leads to Missing Person Investigation
According to investigators, Bradley’s mother requested a welfare check on June 12 after she had not heard from him since June 7. He had been expected to relocate to Virginia on June 10, raising concerns when he suddenly stopped communicating.
During the investigation, detectives spoke with Bradley’s friends, who described his previous relationship with Casado-Dominguez as “abusive.”
According to investigators, witnesses also alleged that Casado-Dominguez had sent Bradley threatening messages before his disappearance and wanted Hernandez to confront him physically.
Police said Casado-Dominguez later told investigators she last saw Bradley on June 8, claiming he had messaged her about getting a flat tire before she lost contact with him.
Investigators Trace Financial Activity After Bradley’s Disappearance
As detectives continued investigating, they obtained records for Bradley’s financial accounts.
Authorities said his bank card was allegedly used after he was reported missing, including a purchase at a Walmart Supercenter in Lakewood.
Investigators also identified several additional transactions they considered suspicious.
Surveillance video reviewed by detectives allegedly showed Hernandez using Bradley’s payment card during purchases totaling $749.65.
Police arrested Hernandez on identity theft charges after linking him to the transactions.
According to investigators, Hernandez allegedly admitted Casado-Dominguez had given him Bradley’s bank card and said he “just went with it.”
Body Discovered Near Military Base
Authorities said Hernandez later directed investigators to the location where Bradley’s body had been left outside a nearby military base.
According to court documents, Bradley’s body was wrapped in blankets and secured with ratchet straps before being abandoned.
Investigators allege Hernandez told them that Casado-Dominguez claimed Bradley came to her apartment, where the two argued over “his possession of inappropriate pictures of her” stored on his phone.
According to the affidavit, Hernandez said Casado-Dominguez claimed Bradley became physical during the confrontation and pushed her.
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She allegedly told him she fired a gun as she was falling. Investigators further allege she said she offered to take Bradley to the hospital, but he died inside the apartment.
Both Defendants Plead Not Guilty
According to investigators, Casado-Dominguez and Hernandez later transported Bradley’s body to the area near the military base. Court documents also allege that Casado-Dominguez’s 2-year-old son was left alone while the pair disposed of the body.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
They remain in custody on $1 million bond while the criminal case proceeds. Court records do not indicate whether either defendant has retained an attorney to comment publicly on the allegations.
Bradley, an Army veteran, served at Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2017 to 2023 with B Company, 2-158 Aviation Battalion, 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) and was remembered by supporters as a proud member of the Night Stalker Association.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions respectfully in the comments while remembering that the charges are allegations and the case will be decided through the court process.