Crime
Brad Spafford arrested after authorities determined he possessed largest caches of explosives in FBI history
The majority of the explosives were stored in a detached garage, alongside tools and materials for manufacturing, including PVC pipes and homemade fuses.
Federal authorities have arrested a Virginia man after discovering a record cache of homemade explosive devices at his residence, marking the largest seizure of finished explosives in FBI history, officials confirmed.
Brad Spafford was taken into custody on December 17 at a farm in Smithfield, Virginia, approximately 29 miles northwest of Norfolk. Spafford has been charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, according to court filings.
During a search of Spafford’s home, FBI agents uncovered a stockpile of over 150 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), many of which were identified as pipe bombs. Some devices were marked with the word “lethal.”
The majority of the explosives were stored in a detached garage, alongside tools and materials for manufacturing, including PVC pipes and homemade fuses.
Additional devices were discovered unsecured in a backpack located in a bedroom. The backpack bore the phrase “#nolivesmatter,” which prosecutors linked to an extremist ideology promoting mass violence, criminal activity, and targeted attacks, according to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Authorities also discovered a jar of explosive material stored in Spafford’s freezer, labeled “Dangerous” and “Do Not Touch.” The explosive was described as so unstable that it could detonate from friction or temperature changes. The jar was stored alongside food items, including Hot Pockets.
Prosecutors reported that Spafford used images of political figures for target practice, expressed support for political assassinations, and had recently sought sniper-rifle qualifications at a local shooting range.
Spafford’s home was occupied by two young children, raising additional concerns about the risks posed by his activities. Prosecutors argued that releasing him on bail would present an “extreme danger” to his family, the community, and law enforcement tasked with monitoring his residence.
“The presence of dangerous and unstable explosives, combined with his extremist views, poses a significant threat,” the detention memo states.
The investigation into Spafford began last year when a confidential source informed authorities that Spafford had disfigured his hand while working with a homemade explosive device. The source also reported that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and manufacturing approximately 50 rounds of homemade ammunition daily.
Spafford remains in custody as federal authorities continue their investigation. Prosecutors are expected to argue for his continued detention, citing the severe risks associated with his release.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.