Murder suspect released on bail

View larger image Bradley Scott Gregory

WINCHESTER -- A city man charged with murder was released from the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center after posting bond Friday.

Bradley Scott Gregory, 27, of Winchester, is charged with first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony after the Jan. 1 shooting of Michael Scott Shirley, 27, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Judge David S. Whitacre granted Gregory $100,000 secured bond Monday as part of an agreement between the defense attorney and the public defender. On Jan. 3, Whitacre would not grant bond due to the nature of the crimes.

The agreement required that both of Gregory's parents sign for the bond and that he will be confined to their residence in Frederick County by a home electronic device. He is only permitted to leave for pre-trial services, attorney appointments and court appearances.

Also, Gregory must submit to alcohol and drug screenings and comply with an officer's request to search his home or person. He is not permitted to possess a firearm, destructive device or dangerous weapon. Public defender Timothy S. Coyne said Gregory's parents removed any firearms from the residence so their son wouldn't have access to them.
According to court documents, Gregory admitted to shooting Shirley. Capt. John Heflin of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office said the two men engaged in an argument around 1:10 a.m. that Sunday at 1373 S. Timber Ridge Road.

After arguing, Gregory fetched a handgun from his vehicle, loaded it and shot Shirley in the chest, court documents state.

Heflin said Shirley was dead when officers arrived to the scene.