WMOK – Metropolis, IL – As the pre-trial hearing for George E. Bradfield approaches next week, the community continues to reflect on a case that has spanned more than four decades.
The legal proceedings mark a major milestone in a mystery that began on March 30, 1984, when the body of 26-year-old Lisa Ann Carnes was discovered in a rural Massac County field.
Bradfield in 1980 – Photo: ISP
At the time of the homicide, Bradfield, now 76, was working as an ironworker at the Missouri Portland Cement plant in Joppa, commuting daily between Harrisburg and the local facility.
The breakthrough came after forty-two years of investigation when advanced DNA testing on evidence preserved from the original crime scene linked Bradfield to the victim.
Following his arrest in Owensboro, Kentucky, in April 2026, Bradfield was extradited to Illinois and entered a plea of not guilty to five counts of murder.
He remains in custody at the Tri-County Detention Center after being denied pre-trial release.
Local authorities are still seeking leads from anyone who may remember interacting with Bradfield along his daily commute or at the Joppa plant in 1984.
Below you’ll find a portion of WMOK’s conversation with Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor regarding detention hearings.
More From WMOK
