First-Degree Murder Conviction For Man Who Shot Ex At Radnor Wawa

MEDIA, PA —A Delaware County jury convicted 37-year-old Brian Kennedy tonight of first-degree murder in the 2019 fatal shooting of his ex-wife, Stephanie Miller, at Wawa on Old Sugartown Road, Radnor Township.

The jury deliberated for 20 minutes Thursday following instructions by Judge Richard Cappelli on the law, according to the Delaware County district attorney's office.

Miller, 37, an occupational therapist, died of a gunshot wound to the torso, according to medical authorities.

First-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison.

Earlier Thursday, Kennedy of Devon took the stand and told the jury that Miller was abusive after learning he had an affair with a co-worker, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Assistant District Attorney Matt DeNucci told jurors the evidence indicated that the March 28, 2019 crime was a carefully planned execution.

“This case is a textbook, slam dunk, law school example of first-degree murder,” he said.

According to a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Kennedy’s lawyer, Michael Dugan of Media, conceded in his opening statement that Kennedy caused the death of Miller but argued it was not first-degree murder.

Dugan argued that the killing was in the heat of passion, noting Kennedy was struggling with mental illness.

According to court records, Kennedy and Miller divorced in 2013.

The prosecutor said that Miller felt safe picking up her son at the Wawa because it was a public place.

Surveillance video at the store showed Kennedy opening fire, shooting Miller in the head and chest.

Witnesses said Kennedy purchased an AR-15 from a store in King of Prussia 12 days before the fatal shooting.

The Wawa employees identified Kennedy as the shooter. Kennedy was arrested several hours later in Thornbury Park.