Two Men Charged Following Death at Louisville Cemetery
Authorities have charged two men after a 45-year-old was killed by blunt force trauma in a local cemetery.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Crime — General
Police have charged Brad Brinkley and Thomas Litsey in connection with the death of 45-year-old Carl Michael Kinley at Bethany Cemetery. Kinley, who was found in southwest Louisville, died from blunt force trauma.
Why it matters
The case highlights a serious criminal investigation into an incident at a public cemetery, leading to charges against two men who remain in police custody.
Brad Brinkley faces charges including reckless homicide and is held on $250,000 bond, while Thomas Litsey is held on $50,000 bond for his alleged role in the report. Both men are scheduled to return to court later this month.
The players
Carl Michael Kinley
The 45-year-old victim was discovered dead at a cemetery in southwest Louisville.
Brad Brinkley
The 40-year-old suspect faces a reckless homicide charge after allegedly driving over the victim.
Thomas Litsey
The 60-year-old suspect is accused of failing to disclose a co-defendant's involvement in his official report.
The details
Investigators allege that 40-year-old Brad Brinkley drove his truck over a cardboard box covering the victim twice, resulting in fatal blunt force trauma. Thomas Litsey, 60, is accused of omitting information about Brinkley's involvement from an official report.
Timeline
Carl Michael Kinley was found dead at the cemetery on September 15, 2026.
Brad Brinkley and Thomas Litsey made their initial court appearances on September 18, 2026.
The accused are expected to return to court for further proceedings in September 2026.
Legal Context
The charges filed in this case follow the standards established by the Kentucky Revised Statutes regarding reckless homicide and official misconduct. This proceeding reflects how local jurisdictions apply these state-level statutes to investigate and prosecute suspicious deaths.
The active investigation into this incident at Bethany Cemetery continues as the suspects await their next court date. Residents in southwest Louisville should remain aware that court proceedings are ongoing regarding the safety and security of the local site.
The takeaway
This case underscores the legal consequences for both reckless actions and the potential obstruction of official reports. Legal authorities continue to process the evidence surrounding the events at the cemetery.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing investigations in the area, visit the Crime — General section.
