New Details On Man Accused Of Murdering Homeless Man

A Colorado Springs man with a long criminal past is accused of murdering a homeless man.

James Henry Bratt, 36, was arrested Monday morning, five days after 50-year-old James Bidgood was found stabbed in a field off South Nevada Avenue and St. Elmo Street where the homeless often camp.

Police said they got information about the killing from Bratt’s girlfriend when they responded to a domestic violence call at the couple’s home near East Cheyenne Road and Cascade Lane. Bratt’s girlfriend said Bratt told her he killed Bidgood in self-defense and then hid the knife in a bucket on their gazebo.

Bratt has a long criminal past and has served time behind bars for burglary, felony impersonation, drugs and other crimes. His ex-wife told KRDO Newschannel 13 that Bratt used to be homeless.

“When I met him, he had all homeless friends,” she said.

She said while she was sorry a man lost his life, she’s glad Bratt is off the streets.

“I don’t see how they kept letting him out,” she said.

Bratt is charged with First-Degree Murder.