Owensboro Resident George E. Bradfield Waives Extradition in 1984 Massac County Cold Case Murder

George E. Bradfield, a 76-year-old resident of Owensboro, Kentucky, appeared in a Daviess County courtroom on Monday, April 27, 2026, where he formally waived his right to extradition. The move clears the way for his transfer to Illinois to face charges for a homicide that occurred over four decades ago.

Bradfield was arrested last week following a grand jury indictment in Massac County, Illinois.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LisaCarnes1984/media

He is charged with five counts of murder in the 1984 death of Lisa Ann Carnes. Carnes, who was 26 at the time, was found deceased in a rural field with a gunshot wound to the chest and evidence of blunt force trauma.

For 42 years, the case remained unsolved. However, a multi-agency investigation led by the Illinois State Police, the FBI, and local authorities recently utilized DNA testing on evidence preserved from the original 1984 crime scene. This forensic breakthrough reportedly linked Bradfield—who was working in Joppa, Illinois, at the time of the killing—to the victim.

During his brief court appearance in Kentucky, Bradfield declined to fight his return to Illinois. He is currently being held without bond at the Daviess County Detention Center as logistical arrangements are made for his transport.

https://www.daviesscojail.org/InmateRoster/daviess_inmatelist.html

What Is Next for Bradfield?

Transfer to Illinois: Within the coming days, Bradfield will be transported by law enforcement from Owensboro to the Massac County Detention Center in Metropolis, Illinois.
Initial Appearance: Once in Illinois jurisdiction, he will appear before a Massac County judge for an initial hearing to be formally read his charges and have his legal representation confirmed.
Discovery Phase: Prosecutors will begin sharing evidence with the defense, including the specific DNA results and investigative reports that led to the 42-year-old cold case being reopened.
Pre-Trial Hearings: Under Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act, a hearing will likely be held to determine if he will remain in custody throughout the duration of the trial.