METROPOLIS, IL — Following a slight respite, the 42-year-old cold case in Massac County returned to the Massac County Courthouse on Tuesday morning.
George E. Bradfield was in court for a pre-trial hearing regarding the 1984 death of Lisa Carnes. The case is scheduled for trial this summer, with Bradfield facing five criminal counts.
Inside the Courtroom
The courtroom was called to order at 9:23 AM. A separate judge handled a series of civil matters first, clearing the morning’s initial docket before Judge William J. Thurston took the bench to oversee the criminal proceedings.
Bradfield entered Courtroom 1 at 10:15 AM wearing handcuffs, a change from the leg shackles he wore during his initial appearance in April.
Bradfield, an older man with grey hair and a hefty frame, moved slowly into the courtroom. Once seated, he looked to his defense counsel for the specialized assistive hearing device he has relied on in previous hearings. Deputies removed his handcuffs, allowing him to attach the device, put on his reading glasses, and review notes with Defense Attorney Cervantez.
Key Rulings and Trial Timeline
Once the hearing got underway, the court confirmed that the state and defense teams had previously met in chambers to finalize scheduling.
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July Trial Scheduled: The start date for the jury trial remains set for July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
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Other Crimes Evidence: The State advised that they have entered discovery on notice to allow evidence of allegations of other crimes at trial. Attorney Cervantez advised the court that the defense has received the notice.
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Weekly Zoom Schedule: Judge Thurston established a standing pre-trial status conference via Zoom to take place every Tuesday at 9:00 AM, starting next week on June 2.
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Continued Detention: The court upheld the order for continued pretrial detention, citing that keeping Bradfield in custody is necessary to protect public safety and to mitigate a flight risk.
