Bedford detectives made an arrest in the brutal murder of an 79-year-old woman attacked after opening her front door to a stranger. NBC 5’s Maria Guerrero reports on police officers’ encounter with the suspect before the murder.
A man has been charged in connection with the brutal death of an older woman whose body was found inside her Bedford home in early June.
Brandon Paramore, 39, of Euless, is charged with murder in the death of 79-year-old Christine Barsanti, according to the Bedford Police Department.
The deadly incident happened on Thursday, June 6, at a home in the 2400 block of Meadow View Lane.
Authorities said officers responded to the home after reports of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, they found Barsanti's body, and it appeared the woman died after being struck by an unknown object.
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During the death investigation, detectives found security camera footage of a thin, light-skinned man wearing a black shirt, black tights, white tennis shoes, and a possible wig approaching Barsanti's front door.
According to investigators, Barsanti answered the door and spoke to Paramore, who asked to use her phone. Officers believe Paramore then forced his way into Barsanti's home after she refused and attacked her.
The video detectives obtained does not show what happened inside the home, but Paramore was seen leaving the house several minutes later, police said.
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Bedford police officers reviewing the footage said they noticed similarities between the suspect in the video and Paramore based on previous contact with him.
On Saturday, June 8, Paramore was found by officers and arrested on unrelated charges. On Monday, he was charged with murder in connection with Barsanti's death.
"Our thoughts are with Ms. Barsanti’s family, who have been supportive throughout our efforts to bring her justice,” said Deputy Chief Bobby LaPenna.
The police department is not releasing the surveillance footage for reasons related to the investigation.
Paramore will be transferred to the Tarrant County Jail, where he will be arraigned and bond set. There is no word on whether Paramore has retained an attorney.
Residents in Bedford are advised to beware of their surroundings and not to open their doors to anyone they don't know, especially if they are home alone.
BEDFORD POLICE INVESTIGATION
“I believe he was making the claim that he lost his dog and wanted to use her phone,” said Bobby LaPenna, Bedford Police Deputy Chief. “She refused and started stepping back in the house.”
LaPenna says the suspect’s wig was clearly not natural hair but was unable to provide additional details including the color.
Barsanti’s grandchild made the awful discovery on Friday after not hearing from their grandmother.
LaPenna says the family has been very helpful in their investigation.
“To see a family come together in a time of tragedy is inspiring,” he said. “It makes us want to work hard for justice.”
LaPenna said when police began reviewing Ring video on Friday, they ‘immediately’ recognized the suspect as a man they’d encountered the day of the murder because of his strong ‘Southern drawl.’
“On the day of the incident June 6, the individual was going around to businesses soliciting patrons for money,” said LaPenna.
Officers responded to a minor disturbance and identified the subject as Brandon Paramore.
Online criminal records show a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2002 involving charges of theft to cocaine possession.
The 39-year-old has ties to Florida, according to online criminal records.
Paramore also had active warrants for his arrest, confirmed LaPenna.
“At that time, [Bedford officers] didn’t take him into custody for his misdemeanor warrants out of another agency,” he said.
Tragically, Barsanti died hours after this encounter.
Her home is in the vicinity of the establishments where Paramore was reportedly caught soliciting people for money.
