Two University of Memphis students are being sought by police for information in connection with the murder of Taylor Bradford, including one woman who Bradford had filed a restraining order against last year.
It is unclear whether they are being sought as witnesses or suspects.
According to Shelby County court records, Bradford petitioned a judge to issue an order of protection to protect him from Erica Bell, a U of M education major. A temporary order of protection was granted. However, at a hearing on Nov. 28, 2006, the petition was denied.
Bell's address on the court documents was listed as "University of Memphis Complex" and her permanent address as Nashville. In the most recent student directory her address is listed as Antioch, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville. Bradford graduated from Antioch High School where he lettered in three sports.
Police were also seeking Devin Jefferson, a psychology major, for information. On June 25, Jefferson was arrested for second-degree murder, according to Shelby County court records. However, he was released without charge later that day.
According to the University Web site, Jefferson works at the recreational center and Bell works at Rawls Hall.
Several students reported that police asked students at Carpenter Complex Tuesday about Bell and Jefferson. The Daily Helmsman couldn't reach either for comment.
Bradford, a U of M junior defensive lineman, was fatally shot in his car in the Carpenter Complex Sunday evening around 9:45. After being shot, he drove across Central, eventually striking a tree near Zach Curlin St. He was pronounced dead at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis shortly after 10 p.m.
There have been no arrests in the case and no suspects identified by police.
There have been various reports that a large amount of money was found in the car with Bradford.
According to Daniel Ford, a U of M graduate and now Christian Brothers University graduate student, Bradford was at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, Miss., playing black jack late Saturday night with other U of M football players.
"He was a real nice, friendly guy," Ford said about Bradford, who was gambling at the same table.
Ford, who is a former sports editor and editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman, said Bradford paid for eight to 10 of Ford's hands of black jack over a 30-minute period.
"At $25 a hand, Bradford gave me between $200 and $250," Ford said.
Although Ford didn't see Bradford win a lot of money, he said Bradford seemed like someone who had already won a substantial amount. Ford said Bradford was playing with about $1,000 in chips.
