Moonda gets life term for husband’s murder

Donna Moonda asked to be sent to a federal prison in West Virginia to be near family.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

AKRON — Donna Moonda, the wife convicted of plotting the roadside death of her wealthy doctor husband, contends there’s one more victim in this tragedy: herself.

“I am a victim of May 13, 2005, and I stand today to be sentenced for something I have not done,” said the 48-year-old former nurse.

Tearful and defiant, Moonda gave her first and only public statement since her arrest last year.

She and her 25-year-old lover, Damian Bradford, were charged in the murder-for-hire plot and interstate stalking of 69-year-old Dr. Gulam Moonda, a wealthy urologist from Hermitage in Mercer County, Pa.

The triggerman, Bradford, pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 171⁄2 years in prison in exchange for his testimony against Donna Moonda.

Moonda was sentenced Friday to life in prison on the murder-for-hire charge and an additional 30 years in prison to be served concurrently on the remaining charges — two counts of using or carrying a firearm in the commission of a violent crime and interstate stalking.

Moonda in her statement before sentencing called Bradford a “con man.”

“I cannot forgive myself. I wish I had never met Damian Bradford. I know now Damian was a predator and I was his prey. I never had a chance. He pursued me when I was at a low point in my life,” she said.

Bradford testified that they planned the murder together and had intended to split Donna Moonda’s expected $3 million to $6 million inheritance.

How affair began

The pair met in a drug rehabilitation program where she voluntarily went after being arrested for stealing fentanyl, a painkiller, from the hospital where she worked as a nurse. Bradford was there for a cocaine addiction.

“He took advantage of my generosity. I thought I was helping him to get back on his feet and in the process I came to love Damian Bradford. I am so disgusted I could love someone so evil,” she said.

Moonda contends that Bradford disguised himself and shot the doctor without her knowledge. Her attorneys told the jury that when Dr. Moonda learned of the affair, the Moondas had agreed to divorce after the doctor’s nephew graduated from medical school.

“We had settled our issues as adults. Our divorce would have been quiet and we would be leading separate lives right now, if only Damian Bradford had not cleverly worked his way into my life,” she said.

But prosecutors say the two were in the plot together showing jurors that she gave Bradford printed directions of their route on the Ohio Turnpike that day and pulling her Jaguar off to the side of the road where the shooting occurred.

Dr. Moonda’s nephew, Dr. Faroq Moonda, who has been described as an adopted son of the doctor, gave a statement to the court which was read by his wife, Dr. Afreen Moonda. She outlined the good work done by Dr. Gulam Moonda here and in India, where he had many family members.

How family described her

They went on to describe a spoiled Donna Moonda who made her husband upgrade her already generously sized engagement ring to a $150,000 Tiffany diamond and a person who spent her husband’s money freely. They also touched on the financial help he provided her family including paying for the education of her family members.

“To say she lived the life of a regular person and her spending was modest is a lie,” Afreen Moonda said, referring to Donna Moonda’s defense during trial that she was not motivated by money.

The couple went on to say that they held Donna Moonda more responsible for their uncle’s death and note that at least Bradford expressed remorse at his sentencing.

“The saddest tragedy is the man who did so much for others was deceived by the woman he helped the most,” Afreen Moonda said.

Donna Moonda began sobbing loudly as the statement was read and yelled at the couple as they turned to go back to their seats.

“How can you say those things? Look at me,” Donna Moonda sobbed.

Moonda’s attorneys argued that she should receive a sentence less than life in prison, but U.S. District Court Judge David Dowd said he must follow the law.

He did agree to recommend she be incarcerated at the federal women’s prison in Hazelton, W.Va., so she can be close to her family. Judge Dowd noted that his recommendation may not be considered by the federal prisons officials.

Donna Moonda was also ordered to repay Dr. Moonda’s estate more than $14,000 spent for burial costs.

Moonda’s attorneys said they expect an appeal to be filed soon. A federal public defender will be appointed to handle the appeal.

Moonda apologized to her family for keeping her problems with fentanyl and her affair with Bradford a secret. “While I have made terrible choices, I am not a murderer,” she said.

cioffi@vindy.com