The Maine State Police arrested a Liberty man on Thursday following a months-long investigation into the April murder of Robert Bruso, 56, of Palermo, outside his home.
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Maine State Police officers responded on April 19 at around 10:30 a.m. to 28 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo for a welfare check.
When police arrived, they discovered Bruso dead outside the home. Officers believed the circumstances surrounding the death were suspicious, and an autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the death was a homicide.
Following a months-long investigation, police have charged Kirby Bradford, 58, of Liberty with murder. He was arrested and transported to the Kennebec County Jail and had his first court appearance on Friday.
Police did not explain how they came to identify Bradford, the motive for the alleged murder, or the relationship between Bradford and the victim.
Police are still searching for Bruso’s golden retriever and have requested help from the public in finding the dog.
In August, Bradford was charged in connection with a Waterville robbery and for violating conditions of release.
