General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

 

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2005
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Stephanie Norman (614) 752-2792

 

Patrol names person of interest in Ohio Turnpike fatal shooting investigation

COLUMBUS – The Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, has arrested Damian R. Bradford, 23, of 151 Milne Drive, Monaca, Pa., for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation after a search warrant was served for his apartment and two vehicles last Friday at 6:00 p.m.

Bradford is also considered a person of interest in the investigation of the murder of Dr. Gulam Moonda that occurred on May 13 on the Ohio Turnpike in North Royalton.

Bradford is incarcerated at the Beaver (Pa.) County Jail. He is not being held by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on any charges at this time.

Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators have interviewed Bradford and continue to interview other witnesses. The Patrol is requesting the public contact the Berea District Headquarters at (440) 234-2096 with information on this case.

On May 13, troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Hiram Post responded to a report of an injury on Ohio Turnpike westbound, near milepost 164, in North Royalton. Upon arrival, troopers discovered Moonda had been shot in the head after a roadside robbery had occurred.

Moonda, a passenger in a 2000 Jaguar being driven by his wife, Donna Moonda, 46, and Dorothy Smouse, 74, both of Hermitage, Pa., when they stopped along the Ohio Turnpike to change drivers. It was reported that during that change, an unknown suspect driving a dark colored van stopped with the victim and demanded money. The suspect carried out the robbery, shot Moonda, and fled the scene.

Moonda died from an apparent single gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene by LifeFlight EMS personnel.

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05-074

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