Suspect pleads guilty to conspiracy in quadruple homicide

Samantha Bradley, one of four defendants charged in February’s quadruple homicide on the Southeastside, has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge, the Marion County prosecutor’s office confirmed.

Under a plea deal struck with Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, the 20-year-old Bradley admitted to helping plan the Feb. 20 robbery that led to the slayings of Walter “Buddy” Burnell, 47; Jacob Rodemich, 43; Kristy Sanchez, 22; and Hayley Navarro, 21.

Curry said that as a condition for dropping other charges against her, Bradley will testify against alleged shooter Kenneth “Cody” Rackemann, 24, as well as Anthony LaRussa, 26, and Valencia Williams, 21, who are accused of planning and assisting the robbery. Prosecutors say Williams killed Navarro after Rackemann ordered her to do so when he ran out of bullets.

According to court documents, Rackemann had worked security for Burnell, a drug dealer living in the 3400 block of South Parker Avenue. Prosecutors believe the murders were committed in Burnell’s home during a botched robbery.

Bradley also admitted to helping transport the three suspects from the scene and disposing of evidence, Curry said.

Bradley had initially faced robbery and felony murder charges, the most serious of which would have carried a 45- to 60-year sentence. By pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery resulting in death, a Class A felony, she could be sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison.

Curry said Bradley entered the guilty plea on Thursday.

Curry said he expects the case to go to trial before the end of the year. But Rackemann’s case could be delayed if a judge grants Curry’s request to seek the death penalty, he said.

Call Star reporter Brian Eason at (317) 444-6129. Follow him on Twitter: @brianeason.