New Madrid County man convicted of 2010 murder

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A jury deliberated just more than 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict in the stabbing death of a New Madrid, Mo., man.

Robert D. Rooker, 49, was found guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of Patrick Bradley. Bradley was found stabbed to death April 23, 2010, at a residence in New Madrid.

The two-day trial was heard in Pemiscot County on a change of venue from New Madrid County with most of the evidence presented in the case Wednesday.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. April 12.

Rooker had reportedly admitted stabbing Bradley in the chest to law enforcement officials who arrived on the scene shortly after the incident. Bradley died from a knife wound to the chest and according to an autopsy report also had contusions and abrasions to his face, shoulders and knees.

Rooker remains in the Pemiscot County Jail pending his sentencing.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO

Caruthersville, MO