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Thursday, April 30, 2026 (CDT)
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Friday, May 1, 2026 (CDT)
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Bradfield Pleads Not Guilty in 1984 Massac County Cold Case Murder of Lisa Carnes
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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Coming Up in Metropolis and Massac County
Thursday, April 30
Friday, May 1
College Signing Day at Massac High
Nifty Needles at the Metropolis Public Library
Looking to wrap up your week with some creative company? The Nifty Needles group meets this afternoon at the Metropolis Public Library! Whether you are a master of the crochet hook or just casting on your first knitting project, all skill levels are welcome to join in.
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When: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
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Where: Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street
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What: A social hour for knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and more
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The Vibe: A craft session—short, sweet, and social!
It is the perfect chance to “just breathe” after a long week, swap patterns, and enjoy some yarn therapy. Grab your current project and head downtown to join the fun.
Saturday, May 2
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10am-2pm – Genealogy at the Metropolis Public Library – Assistant on hand on the 1st Saturday of each month
Sunday, May 3
National Small Business Week: 3-9
PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK – May 3-9, 2026
National Travel & Tourism Week: 3-9
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