Central Maine Man Arrested in Connection With Murder

Investigators have made an arrest in connection with the April killing of a man in Palermo, Maine.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, on April 19th, 2025, at just after 10:30 in the morning, Maine State Police were called to 128 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo for a welfare check.

When Troopers arrived, they found the body of 56-year-old Robert Bruso of Palermo. Mr Bruso was located outside the home.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit Central quickly began investigating and determined the circumstances around Bruso’s death to be suspicious. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta later confirmed that suspicion, ruling the manner of death a homicide.

Fast forward to September 18, 2025, when Detectives charged 58-year-old Kirby Bradford of Liberty with murder in connection to Bruso’s death. Bradford, who was already being held at the Kennebec County Jail on unrelated charges, is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday (September 19th) at 1:00 in the afternoon at Waldo County Superior Court.

*NOTE - Suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law

One detail that continues to weigh on the investigation involves Bruso’s golden retriever, Lenny. The dog has not yet been found. Police are asking anyone who may have seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3 near Boots and Saddle Road or Level Hill Road in Palermo to contact the Maine State Police Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207.624.7076.