Illinois State Police make arrest in 42-year homicide cold case

MASSAC COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - 42 years after a woman was found shot to death in a rural Illinois field, an arrest has been made in her case.

An Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 homicide investigation resulted in the arrest of 76-year-old George E. Bradfield of Owensboro, Kentucky.

On March 30, 1984, the body of 26-year-old Lisa Ann Carnes was found in a field in rural Massac County. She died from a single gunshot wound.

On April 22, 2026, the Massac County State's Attorney's Office charged Bradfield with five counts of murder.

ISP is still continuing its investigation and is asking anyone with information about the murder or Bradfield to contact them.

Tips about the case or Bradfield can be submitted via email to ISP at ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov, or by calling ISP at (618) 542-1486 and (618) 542-2171 ext. 1202. Tips can be left anonymously.