Bradford gets 17 1/2 years in prison for Moonda shooting

AKRON — A federal judge complied with an agreement that gave the man who shot Mercer County, Pa., urologist Dr. Gulam Moonda a 17 1/2 year prison sentence.

U.S. District Court Judge David Dowd sentenced 26-year-old Damian Bradford at a hearing today for the May 13, 2005, shooting on the side of the Ohio Turnpike.

Bradford, a small-time drug dealer from Beaver County, Pa., cut a deal with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony against Dr. Moonda’s widow, Donna, the mastermind of the plot.

Donna Moonda was found guilty last week of murder for hire and aiding and abetting the doctor’s death. A penalty phase begins Monday — and she will either receive the death penalty or life in prison.

Prosecutors at Bradford’s sentencing said without Bradford’s help they likely would not have been able to prosecute Donna Moonda.

“The investigation had not produced a scientific link, a gun or a black van described by Donna Moonda,” said Nancy Kelley, assistant United States attorney.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.