James Radford claimed his wife turned a gun on herself after he confronted her about infidelity. Nearly nine years later, authorities say the evidence tells an entirely different story.
Background
Sabrina Radford was just 25 years old when she died in April 2016 at the couple's home in Fairbanks, Wisconsin. According to criminal complaint details reported by local NBC affiliate WGBA, James Radford told police that after he confronted his wife about cheating and informed her he intended to file for divorce, Sabrina Radford held a gun with both hands and fired a fatal shot into her own chest.
The tragedy left behind a young daughter. Ahead of Sabrina's funeral, James Radford established a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses, writing on the page: 'One can NEVER be prepared when someone we LOVE is taken from us so tragically.'
For nearly nine years, the case remained closed — until investigators took another look.
The Investigation
According to the Shawano County Sheriff's Office, advanced investigative tools, evolving forensic technology, and expert witnesses ultimately led authorities to conclude that Sabrina Radford could not have shot herself. James Radford was arrested on April 11, 2025 — exactly nine years after his wife's death.
Court documents obtained by WGBA detail the physical evidence that contradicted his account. Investigators determined there was no blood or evidence of gunpowder blowback on the weapon's muzzle consistent with Sabrina having pointed it at her own chest and pulled the trigger. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed she was holding her phone at the time of her death.
James Radford, now 40 years old, has been charged with reckless homicide with a modifier for the use of a dangerous weapon. He was booked into Shawano County Jail where he remains held on $800,000 bond.
Key Takeaways
- Sabrina Radford died in April 2016; her husband claimed she shot herself during an argument about infidelity
- Shawano County investigators used advanced forensic technology and expert witnesses to reexamine the case
- Physical evidence — including lack of muzzle blowback consistent with self-inflicted wound — contradicted James Radford's account
- Forensic examiners determined Sabrina was holding her phone at the time of death
- James Radford was arrested exactly nine years after his wife's death on April 11, 2025
- He has pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide with a deadly weapon modifier
What's Next
James Radford is scheduled to appear in Shawano County Circuit Court for his next hearing on August 6. The case represents one of several instances in recent years where investigators have reopened closed cases using modern forensic techniques that were unavailable at the time of initial deaths.
The Radford family has declined to comment publicly beyond statements made through their legal representatives.