Deaths of New Richmond mom, daughter ruled homicides

The Ramsey County medical examiner released a provisional report to police in New Richmond, Wis., on Friday that officially describes the deaths this week of a woman and her 10-year-old daughter as homicides.

The bodies of Courtney L. Bradford, 30, and her daughter, Jasmine, were found on separate floors of the residence in the 1400 block of Hallewood Boulevard on Wednesday, said Police Chief Mark Samelstad.

The victims were discovered after emergency workers responded to a report of smoke at the home, said Police Lt. Jerry Cody.

Courtney Bradford was found on an upstairs floor, and Jasmine was found in the basement.

The girl had celebrated her 10th birthday on Aug. 15, according to a Facebook post.

Courtney Bradford's ex-boyfriend, 37-year-old Christian Daniel Nunez-Ortega, was arrested in El Paso, Texas, on minor charges in connection with their deaths, police said Thursday. He will be extradited to Wisconsin.

A provisional medical report determined that Courtney Bradford bled to death as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Jasmine's cause of death was listed as "possible asphyxia," but the child also suffered multiple stab wounds and had injuries consistent with a sexual assault, according to the report.

When first responders entered the home Wednesday, an alarm was sounding and water was running in the basement. Flames and smoke were present, and about 20 percent of the house was damaged, police said.

The homicides remain under investigation by New Richmond police, the St. Croix County Sheriff's office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, among other agencies.

Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648