Kentucky teen accused of killing 2 bank employees busted after posting clues on social media

An 18-year-old accused of gunning down two Kentucky bank employees during a robbery was quickly tracked down when investigators linked him to his own Facebook posts.

Brailen Weaver was charged with armed bank robbery and firearms offenses causing death after the Thursday shooting at a US Bank branch in Berea, court records show.

Kentucky State Police later identified the victims as Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42.

Brailen Weaver, 18, is accused of carrying out the April 30 attack at a US Bank branch in Berea.
Brailen Weaver, 18, is charged in connection with a deadly US Bank shooting in Berea, Kentucky on April 30, 2026.AP
A silver BMW seen on surveillance video became a key break in the case as investigators matched the vehicle to a car that Weaver had listed for sale on Facebook, according to an FBI affidavit filed Friday, the Associated Press reported.

The FBI also tied the suspect’s clothing to photos Weaver had posted online, and said he kept posting on social media after the deadly robbery.

Officials later spotted the BMW on Interstate 75 Thursday night, triggering a high-speed chase between Weaver and police.

The pursuit continued into Lexington, where speeds exceeded 130 mph before the car crashed and the suspect ran off on foot, the affidavit said.

The FBI affidavit detailing the case was written before the capture and does not mention an arrest.

Police search an area after a high-speed chase through Kentucky on April 30, 2026.
Police search the area following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Lexington.Lex18

US Bank branch in Berea, Kentucky.
The US Bank branch in Berea where the shooting unfolded, leaving two employees dead.Google Maps
But Kentucky State Police Officer Justin Kearney said in a social media post Friday that a “person of interest believed to be involved in yesterday’s Berea bank robbery has been apprehended.”

Weaver entered the bank just before 2 p.m. Thursday and “immediately shot and killed a male victim” before fatally shooting a teller, according to the affidavit.

He then checked multiple drawers and fled. Authorities have not said whether any money was taken.

Brian Switzer was identified as one of the two US Bank employees killed in the shooting.
Brian Switzer, 42, was identified as one of two victims killed in the shooting.GoFundMe

Breanna Edwards was working at the Berea, Ky. bank when she was fatally shot.
Breanna Edwards, 35, was also killed in the US Bank shooting in Berea.Breanna Edwards/Facebook
“While there is no longer imminent danger, we understand that the tragedy is far from over for the community,” said Olivia Olson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville office.

“The only solace that we can offer is that this individual, who valued a stolen dollar more than two human lives, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Weaver could also face state charges tied to the killings.

US Bank said it was working with authorities and supporting victims’ families.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today,” the company said.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community.”