Bedford County Man Pleads to 3rd-Degree Murder, Jailed Decades for 2021 Killing of Girlfriend’s Father

June 1, 2023 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Tico Octavious Franklin, 40, will serve up to 60 years in prison for the murder of his former girlfriend’s father, who responded to a domestic dispute at her home.

Franklin pleaded guilty in March to third-degree murder, robbery of a motor vehicle, and three counts of reckless endangerment. A Bedford County Court Judge ordered a prison sentence of 30 to 60 years.

Franklin repeatedly shot 64-year-old Brian Hunter, who had just arrived at his daughter’s home, where a domestic dispute was taking place.

“This man answered a call for help from his family and was met with a hail of gunfire from Tico Franklin,” Attorney General Henry said. “It will be several decades before this defendant will see the possibility of re-entering society.”

Hunter was called to his daughter’s home on April 24, 2021. Upon arrival, Hunter asked Franklin to leave the home; Franklin refused, pulled out a handgun, and shot Hunter. Hunter tried to escape behind his vehicle, but Franklin followed and continued to shoot him. Hunter’s two grandchildren were present during the killing.

Following the killing, Franklin took his girlfriend’s keys and fled in her car. He was arrested days later in Baltimore.

The Office of Attorney General assumed jurisdiction over the case in 2022 following a referral from the Bedford County District Attorney’s Office.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Katie Wymard.

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