METROPOLIS, IL – George E. Bradfield, 76, of Owensboro, Kentucky, appeared in Massac County Court on Thursday morning to face charges in the 1984 murder of Lisa Ann Carnes. During the proceedings, Bradfield entered a formal plea of not guilty.
Bradfield faces five counts of Class M felonies in connection with the decades-old investigation. During the appearance, the court advised Bradfield of his charges and constitutional rights, noting that because the case dates back to 1984, the range of potential penalties may differ from current Illinois statutes.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Bradfield is represented by attorney Joseph A. Cervantez. During the hearing, the defense moved for a continuance to allow adequate time to review the state’s petition and prepare for a formal detention hearing.
The motion for a continuance was granted without objection, and the court has reset the hearing for May 6th. Regarding the defendant’s status, the court exercised its discretion and ordered that Bradfield remain detained in the custody of the Massac County Sheriff’s Office until further court order.
A Collaborative Investigation
The breakthrough in the case is the result of an Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 homicide investigation.
The ISP was assisted by several agencies and organizations, including:
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The Massac County Sheriff’s Office
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The Owensboro (KY) Police Department
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The FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit
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Parabon NanoLabs Inc., with funding provided by EWU Media LLC
The investigation was notably aided by advanced DNA testing on evidence preserved from the original crime scene, which reportedly linked Bradfield to the victim. At the time of the 1984 incident, Bradfield was working in Joppa.
Public Assistance Requested
ISP is continuing its investigation and is seeking the public’s assistance. If you have any information regarding this incident or about George E. Bradfield, you are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Police.
Tips can be submitted anonymously:
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Email: ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov
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Phone: 618-542-1486 or 618-542-2171 (ext. 1202)
The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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