In a tragic incident that has left the community of Independence, Kentucky, reeling, a young mother was fatally shot by her ex-fiancé, Donald Bryant, just two days after a distressing 911 call alerted authorities to escalating threats. Heaven Glisten, 24, was killed alongside an innocent bystander, Dalen Bradford, who was reportedly in the wrong place at the wrong time. The events unfolded late on a Sunday night at the Taylor Ridge apartment complex, where chaos erupted as gunfire rang out.
The warning signs leading up to the shooting were evident. A relative of Glisten had called 911 two days before the tragedy, expressing urgent concerns about Bryant’s presence at her apartment despite not being on the lease. “He is not on the lease. She moved all the way out here to get away from me,” the caller stated, describing a tense situation in front of children that hinted at the underlying danger. Hours before the shooting, Glisten received a chilling text from Bryant, suggesting he was planning something ominous.
Glisten had recently separated from Bryant, the father of her youngest child, and had moved to Independence seeking a fresh start. Unfortunately, her escape from an abusive relationship was short-lived. Just two weeks after moving in, Bryant arrived at her apartment, triggering a series of events that would end in tragedy. On the night of the shooting, witnesses reported hearing arguing and then multiple gunshots, which led to the police being called once again.
Upon arrival, officers found Bradford, 33, critically injured outside the complex, having reportedly gone to retrieve diapers for his baby when he encountered Glisten and Bryant. Eyewitnesses suggested he may have attempted to intervene in a confrontation, but his heroic act cost him his life. After the initial chaos, police established a perimeter, deploying drones and K-9 units in a desperate attempt to locate Glisten and Bryant, who fled into the woods following the gunfire. Tragically, both were later found dead, with Bryant’s wounds confirmed as self-inflicted.
The aftermath of the shooting has left Glisten’s family devastated. Her grandmother recounted how Glisten had once seen Bryant as “the one,” but had confided her fears of his abusive tendencies to family members. Court records revealed a prior assault charge against Bryant, underscoring a history of violence that should have raised red flags to authorities.
Retired detective commander Will Selar emphasized the importance of recognizing domestic violence signs. “The cycle of domestic violence keeps repeating,” he remarked, advocating for more comprehensive responses from law enforcement to protect victims. He noted that while police cannot detain individuals without probable cause, the emotional state of those involved often complicates these situations.
As the community mourns the loss of Glisten and Bradford, questions arise about whether more could have been done to prevent this devastating outcome. The incident highlights the urgent need for better support systems for victims of domestic violence, including the potential for mental health specialists to accompany police on calls.
The tragic deaths of Glisten and Bradford serve as a somber reminder of the risks many face in abusive relationships and the critical need for effective intervention strategies to protect vulnerable individuals. As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief, reflecting on the senseless loss of life and the urgent need for change in how domestic violence cases are handled.
