WMOK – Massac County, IL – As we noted in today’s news check, this week has felt truly surreal as we witness major developments in the 1984 cold case murder of Lisa Carnes.

Decades have passed without a break in the investigation, yet the case has never left the minds of Massac County residents.

For locals who remember the overwhelming shock and sadness that encompassed our community, these recent updates bring a profound sense of gravity to a story 42 years in the making.  

For the family of Lisa who have lived this every day for the last forty two years, the last week has been a heaviness of mental and physical exhaustion that most of us will never experience at this depth.  

While the case against Bradfield has been in progress for some time, Thursday was the first time for the family to see Bradfield face to face.  

WMOK will continue to cover the developments closely on a local level moving forward as we add information to the extensive timeline.

The Initial Investigation (1984)

• • March 30, 1984: The body of 26-year-old Lisa Ann Carnes is discovered in a field in rural Massac County, south of County Road 1150 N and east of US 45.

• • March 31, 1984: An autopsy is performed. The cause of death is determined to be a gunshot wound to the chest, with evidence of blunt force trauma to her head also noted.

• • 1984–2025: The case remains open but eventually goes cold. Law enforcement, including the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP), continues to seek information from the public periodically.

Recent Breakthroughs & Arrest (2026)

• • April 22, 2026: The Massac County State’s Attorney’s Office officially files charges against a suspect. A grand jury returns a five-count indictment for murder.

• • April 23, 2026: George E. Bradfield arrested in Owensboro, KY

• • April 24, 2026: Massac County State’s Attorney Josh Stratemeyer holds a press conference at the courthouse to announce the arrest of 76-year-old George E. Bradfield of Owensboro, Kentucky. Massac County State’s Attorney to Hold Press Conference Regarding a 1984 Death Investigation

• • April 27, 2026: 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.  Owensboro Resident George E. Bradfield Waives Extradition in 1984 Massac County Cold Case Murder

• • April 28, 2026: George E. Bradfield, 76, has been transferred into the custody of the Massac County Sheriff’s Office following his court appearance in Daviess County, Kentucky, on Monday. During the proceedings, Bradfield waived his right to extradition, facilitating his transport to Illinois. Massac County Sheriff’s Office Takes Custody of George E. Bradfield in 1984 Murder Case – WMOK Metropolis

• • April 30, 2026:Following his extradition and initial court proceedings, Bradfield entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Bradfield Pleads Not Guilty in 1984 Massac County Cold Case Murder of Lisa Carnes