Bio

Kelvin Jordan was born on December 25, 1976. At the time of the murders, Jordan was 18 years old. He was associated with Frontrell Edwards, who became his co-defendant in the killings of Tony Roberts and two-year-old Codera Bradley. Court records show that Jordan had been staying at or near Edwards’ family trailer shortly before the crimes.

During sentencing, Jordan’s mother testified about his background and described him as quiet and well-mannered. Prosecutors cross-examined her about prior youth court matters, including accusations involving theft and breaking and entering. The Mississippi Supreme Court later ruled that this questioning was allowed because it was used to challenge her testimony about his character.

A doctor testified during sentencing that Jordan could be easily dominated, but the Mississippi Supreme Court stated that the record did not show significant mental problems that would reduce his individual responsibility for the crimes.

Murder Story

On the night of October 5, 1995, Tony Roberts picked up his two-year-old son, Codera Bradley, in Pachuta, Mississippi. Codera’s mother allowed the child to spend the night with his father. Roberts and the child left at about 9:15 p.m. and began driving toward Roberts’ home.

That same evening, Kelvin Jordan and Frontrell Edwards walked to a truck stop in Pachuta. Jordan carried a .25-caliber pistol, while Edwards carried a .22-caliber pistol. According to the Mississippi Supreme Court, the two discussed robbing someone to get money to attend a ball game. Jordan was worried about being identified, and Edwards said the victim could be killed afterward.

When Tony Roberts arrived at the truck stop, Edwards approached his vehicle and asked if he and Jordan could get a ride. Roberts agreed. Roberts placed Codera on his lap, Jordan sat in the front passenger seat, and Edwards sat behind Roberts. Roberts drove them along Highway 11 until they reached Barnett Crossing, where he said he could not take them farther.

When Roberts stopped the car, Edwards shot him in the side of the face with a .22-caliber pistol. Roberts remained alive, got out of the car, and told Jordan and Edwards they could have the vehicle. While Roberts stood near the road holding his head, Jordan fired additional shots toward him with his .25-caliber pistol. Roberts then fell to the ground.

Edwards dragged Roberts across the highway so another vehicle could pass. After searching Roberts’ pockets and finding no money, Edwards placed him in the trunk. Jordan then drove the stolen Nissan about one mile to a logging road. Roberts was removed from the trunk, and when he began moving, Jordan shot him again with a .380-caliber pistol that had been inside Roberts’ car. Edwards later dragged Roberts’ body into the woods.

Codera Bradley was still inside the car. Edwards then pulled the child from the vehicle and asked if he wanted to go where his father was. Codera began crying and screaming. Edwards led him into the woods and shot him once in the back of the head. The child’s body was later found near his father’s body, still holding a small package of toys.

After the murders, Jordan and Edwards drove Roberts’ Nissan to a dirt pit. They removed stereo equipment and other items from the car, then set the vehicle on fire. Jordan threw the .380 pistol into a pond, while Edwards disposed of the magazine.

Roberts and Codera were reported missing the next day. Authorities later found Roberts’ burned vehicle in a dirt pit. Evidence recovered during the investigation included car stereo equipment, car care products, firearms, ammunition, and weapons connected to the shootings. Jordan was arrested on October 10, 1995. After his arrest, he confessed his involvement and led officers to the location of the bodies.

Jordan was indicted in Clarke County, Mississippi, on two counts of capital murder and one count of armed robbery. Count I involved the killing of Codera Bradley during an armed robbery, and Count II involved the killing of Tony Roberts during an armed robbery. Count III involved the armed robbery of Roberts’ 1992 Nissan.

On October 30, 1996, a jury found Kelvin Jordan guilty on all three counts. On October 31, 1996, the jury sentenced him to death for both capital murder counts. The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the capital murder convictions and death sentences but vacated the separate armed robbery conviction because armed robbery was already the underlying felony for the capital murder convictions.

Jordan later continued filing appeals and post-conviction petitions. In 2016, the Mississippi Supreme Court denied his successive petition for post-conviction relief, rejecting claims involving ineffective assistance of counsel, proportionality, and trial errors. Mississippi Department of Corrections listing, Kelvin Jordan remains under a death sentence.