Bradenton medical complex shooter considered killing ex for 2 years, police say
A Bradenton man charged with killing his ex-girlfriend told detectives he shot her because he “did not want her to be with anyone else,” according to a newly released arrest report.
According to the report, Keith Roberts Jr. told investigators he had thought about killing 29-year-old Myshaela Burnham for at least two years due to what he described as a “rocky relationship.” Roberts allegedly told investigators he shot Burnham after it became clear the two would not get back together following an August 2025 breakup that he attributed to his own jealousy and domestic violence.
Roberts, 29, is accused of fatally shooting Burnham at her workplace in the 5200 block of Fourth Avenue Circle East on Jan. 15 and seriously wounding her co-worker, Summer Freitag. He faces charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, according to court records.
An attorney representing Roberts did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
Bradenton man planned killing after breakup, police say
Roberts told detectives that on Jan. 15, he had a roughly two-hour conversation with Burnham that made it clear the two would not be getting back together, which Roberts claimed was his “breaking point.” Investigators wrote that Roberts said he decided at that point to try to kill Burnham.
According to the arrest report, Roberts drove to Burnham’s workplace around 12:48 p.m. armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a .40-caliber pistol. Investigators say Roberts shot Burnham with the shotgun, and she died at the scene.
Roberts then allegedly turned the shotgun on Burnham’s co-worker, Freitag, who was inside the office and witnessed the shooting, according to the report. Investigators say Roberts then used the .40-caliber pistol to shoot Freitag multiple times before firing additional rounds at Burnham. According to the arrest report, Roberts told detectives he could not explain why he shot Freitag.
Bradenton police responded to reports of a shooting at the medical complex, where officers found Burnham dead at the scene and Freitag injured. Freitag was transported to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, police said in earlier statements.
An eyewitness saw Roberts leave the area in a black Ford Edge SUV, investigators wrote. The vehicle’s description and license plate information were broadcast to law enforcement agencies throughout Manatee County.
Suspect says he would commit killing over again, police say
Police said they located Roberts less than 30 minutes after the shooting with assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Palmetto Police Department.
At about 1:13 p.m., a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Roberts near the Bradenton Convention Center in Palmetto, according to the report.
Upon being stopped, Roberts allegedly made unsolicited statements to the deputy, asking, “How many people died? One or two?” investigators wrote. During transport, a Bradenton police officer said Roberts also asked when he would find out who had died.
According to the arrest report, Roberts later told detectives that his thoughts about killing Burnham had stretched back years because of the relationship. Investigators wrote that Roberts expressed remorse and acknowledged making a “horrible decision,” but also told detectives that even if he could relive the day, he would still kill Burnham.
Roberts was later arrested following questioning and booked into the Manatee County Jail that evening, where he remains held without bond, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Bradenton police said Roberts was employed as a security guard at Manatee Memorial Hospital at the time of the shooting.
Fundraisers support Bradenton shooting survivors
Fundraising campaigns were launched in the days after the shooting for both Burnham and Freitag. A GoFundMe created by Burnham’s sister says donations will be used to support Burnham’s son. As of Wednesday, that campaign had raised about $17,700 toward a $20,000 goal, according to the fundraiser’s page.
Burnham worked in the medical field as a home health coordinator and was the mother of a 6-year-old son, according to her obituary. She is remembered by her family as someone known for her “kindness, humor, and warmth.” A celebration of Burnham’s life was held Saturday at Light of the World church in Sarasota.
A separate GoFundMe was created for Freitag, who was shot multiple times and faces a lengthy recovery, according to the campaign. That fundraiser had raised more than $47,500 toward a $65,000 goal as of this week.
In a recent update posted Sunday, the organizer of Freitag’s fundraiser said she has undergone multiple surgeries and has more planned, but is in “good spirits.” The update said Freitag hopes to leave the intensive care unit soon and begin rehabilitation.
Roberts is next set to appear in court for an arraignment on Feb. 13, according to court records.
The case remains under investigation.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text “START” to 88788 or visit TheHotline.org.
This story was originally published February 2, 2026 at 5:50 AM.
