Man Who Allegedly Killed His Wife During Their Honeymoon Charged with Her Murder

Mar. 15, 2025

A Tennessee man accused of killing his wife while on their honeymoon is being charged with one count of murder for her death, police said.

Bradley Robert Dawson allegedly killed Christe Chen while at a Yasawa Islands resort on July 9, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said Wednesday in arelease. The case will be heard before Justice Riyaz Hamza of the Lautoka High Court in Fiji.

Per the release, Dawson is being kept in custody in Fiji, and his next court date is scheduled for Aug. 18.

According toWREG, Dawson is in jail without bond and could face life in prison if found guilty.

Dawson, 38, and Chen, 36, hadtraveled to Fijifor their honeymoon, and Dawson’s lawyer previously confirmed toFOX 13 Memphisthat Chen’s body was found inside a hotel room, though he said he could not confirm the manner in which Chen died. Dawson maintains his innocence, his attorney told the outlet.

The murder allegedly happened at Fiji’s Turtle Island Resort, a luxury island resort in the Yasawa Islands that advertises “pure indulgence, relaxation and romance at one of the most sought-after destinations in the world,” onits website.

Bradley Dawson and Christe Chen.Christe Dawson/Instagram

Lawyers for Dawson and Chen’s family did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

A friend toldThe Daily Beastthat Chen, a pharmacist, and Dawson, a nonprofit IT employee, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Memphis on Feb. 18. The date marked the first time that many of Chen’s friends met Dawson amid their “whirlwind romance,” according to the outlet. The newlyweds decided to wait until July to take their honeymoon.

Dawson has since been suspended from his position at Youth Villages, a nonprofit for children, the organization toldFOX 13 Memphisin a statement.

“Bradley Dawson was an IT professional at Youth Villages. He has been suspended pending further information. It is our understanding Ms. Chen was his wife, and our condolences go out to her family,” said Youth Villages.

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Turtle Island Resortpreviously told PEOPLE: “We can confirm that an incident took place between a couple at the Island on July 9th, which has resulted in a tragic outcome and charges being laid. We cooperated fully with the police who conducted a thorough investigation and have now left the Island.

The resort, which served as the location for the 1980Brooke ShieldsfilmThe Blue Lagoon, takes only 14 couples as guests at a time and offers visitors access to private beaches and amenities like horseback riding.

Celebrity couples of the past who have honeymooned at Turtle Island includeJessica SimpsonandNick Lachey, as well asBritney Spearsand ex-husbandKevin Federline.

source: people.com