Breanna Bryant Edwards and Brian Switzer Berea, KY Shooting Death: Tragic Loss, In Loving Memory

The Berea, Kentucky community and surrounding region are mourning the devastating loss of two U.S. Bank employees killed during a violent bank robbery on Chestnut Street, as authorities continue an urgent multi-agency manhunt for the suspect. Kentucky State Police have identified the victims as Breanna Bryant Edwards, 35, of Berea, and Brian Switzer, 42, of Jessamine County.

According to Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney, an armed suspect entered the U.S. Bank branch during a robbery and opened fire inside the facility. Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene, while Switzer was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Berea, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials identified the suspect as 18-year-old Brailen Weaver, who fled the bank on foot immediately after the shooting. Investigators later tracked a potential getaway vehicle using license plate recognition technology, leading to a police pursuit across multiple counties. The chase ended Thursday evening after the vehicle crashed, but authorities say Weaver again escaped on foot.

By early Friday morning, law enforcement agencies including local, state, and federal partners were actively searching the rural and residential areas near Johnston Road and Bryant Station Road, close to the Bourbon and Fayette County lines. Officials have warned that Weaver is considered armed and extremely dangerous, urging the public not to approach him and to contact 911 immediately with any sightings.

Beyond the ongoing investigation, tributes have begun to emerge honoring the victims. Breanna Edwards, who also ran a photography business, is remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother, recently married wife, and caring presence in her community. Brian Switzer, a client relationship consultant at U.S. Bank and graduate of Tate’s Creek High School, is being remembered for his professionalism, community involvement, and volunteer work alongside his wife through Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road.

As the search for the suspect continues, families, colleagues, and neighbors are left grieving two lives lost in an act of sudden and senseless violence.

Disclaimer: This obituary-style report is based on official statements and publicly available information. Details may be updated as the investigation develops.