Trial date set for couple accused in Brevard deputy killing

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A judge set a Jan. 27 trial date Thursday for the couple accused of killing a Brevard County deputy. However, legal wrangling could push that date back.

Brandon Bradley, 23, and his girlfriend, Andria Kerchner, 19, are charged with murder in the shooting death of Deputy Barbara Pill during a traffic stop in March 2012.

Attorneys for the defense are fighting for two separate trials, and that could eventually change the trial date.

"I think our chances our excellent in getting that motion," said Michael Bross, defense attorney for Kerchner.

But the state wants to try the cases together because they believe they have a stronger case.

WFTV spoke with Pill's husband, Steve Pill, about how long he's been waiting for a trial.

"Well, personally, I think it's taking a little long, but as long as they get it right, they need to take the time they need to take," said Pill.

Public defender Randy Moore, who is the lead defense attorney for Bradley, is retiring at the end of March and said he wanted to have the trial before he retires.

The attorneys on the case said the trial will last five to six weeks.

Investigators said Bradley and Kerchner had stolen furniture from an Econo Lodge hotel near U.S. 192 and Interstate 95. Pill, 52, was trying to talk them out of their car when investigators said Bradley opened fire, hitting Pill four times.

Bradley and Kerchner fled, but ended up crashing their SUV in a ditch a few blocks away, where they were taken into custody

The defense has said Kerchner was high on a cocktail of drugs at the time of the shooting and when she talked with investigators afterwards.

Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty for Bradley, but said they haven't decided whether to do the same for Kerchner.

Channel 9's Marisa Mendelson asked Pill's husband if he supported the punishment.

"Whatever the law stipulates. You do the crime, do the time," said Steve Pill.

WFTV