A 79-year-old former associate psychology professor at Clemson University accused of murdering his wife with a 12-gauge shotgun by shooting her in the back during a “verbal altercation,” which he later admitted “just got out of hand,” has been released from jail ahead of trial, Law&Crime revealed.
Edwin Brainerd, Jr. was charged with murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime on July 2, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Sally Brainerd, 74, was shot to death in a bedroom at her Anderson, South Carolina, home on Harpers Way late the night before.
“Deputies and detectives responded to Harpers Way in Anderson early this morning after receiving a 911 call reporting a shooting with injuries.” When deputies arrived, they discovered the victim in her residence and quickly began life-saving procedures,” authorities said. “Unfortunately, once EMS arrived, the victim had succumbed to her injuries.”
According to Greenville News, a daughter rushed to a neighbor’s house and called 911.
Since then, further information has emerged regarding the murder suspect, who also refused to remain silent about the crime when asked if he had anything to say at a bond hearing.
According to warrants acquired by Law&Crime, authorities claim that when they arrived at the homicide scene, Brainerd was standing over the victim’s body and clearly stated, “He shot her.” He allegedly shot his wife in the back with a 12-gauge shotgun just before midnight, “during a verbal altercation.”
“I never intended for this to happen.” It simply got out of hand. “I’m so sorry,” Brainerd later told the court, according to a video shown by local Fox affiliate WHNS. “I wish I’d been the one hit with that. “It’s not what I wanted at all.”
“I did not want this to happen. I adore Sally. “I apologize,” the defendant continued, addressing Sally’s grieving family members by name. “I’m beside myself here with what has taken place.”
“That’s, I guess, all that I want to say,” according to him.
An obituary for Sally Brainerd (née Geiger), which made no mention of her accused killer, said that the mother of three and grandmother of three was a Clemson University graduate who had retired from a long career as a registered nurse and “had a kind, generous spirit and loved animals and caring for others.”
“Her family loved her beyond measure and will miss her immensely,” according to the funeral announcement.
According to court documents, the defendant was granted a $50,000 bond on July 29 and posted it, subject to the condition that he be electronically monitored and remain under house arrest at the Harpers Way location. Brainerd must also get a mental and/or “other medical evaluation.”
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office told Law&Crime that the defendant was released from jail on July 30.