Palermo, ME – A Liberty man has been charged with murder in connection with the April death of a Palermo resident, according to Maine State Police.
On April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., troopers responded to a welfare check at 128 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo. Officers discovered the body of 56-year-old Robert Bruso outside his residence. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit Central determined the circumstances to be suspicious, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta later ruled the death a homicide.
On September 18, 2025, detectives charged 58-year-old Kirby Bradford of Liberty with murder in connection to Bruso’s death. According to police, Bradford had been held at the Kennebec County Jail on unrelated charges. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon in Waldo County Superior Court.
Investigators say Bruso owned a golden retriever named Lenny, who has not yet been located. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding the missing dog. Anyone who has seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3, Boots and Saddle Road, or Level Hill Road in Palermo is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207-624-7076.
