Liberty Man Charged in Palermo Homicide; Victim’s Dog Still Missing

September 19, 2025

By: Scanner Alerts Media Group

Maine State Police have charged a Liberty man with murder in the April death of Palermo resident Robert Bruso, whose body was found outside his home during a welfare check; investigators are also asking for help locating Bruso’s golden retriever, Lenny.

On April 19, 2025, at about 10:30 a.m., Troopers responded to 128 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo and discovered the body of 56-year-old Robert Bruso outside the residence. Detectives deemed the circumstances suspicious, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner later ruled the manner of death a homicide.

On September 18, 2025, Detectives charged 58-year-old Kirby Bradford of Liberty with Murder in connection with Bruso’s death. Bradford, who was being held at the Kennebec County Jail on unrelated charges, is scheduled to make an initial appearance at 1:00 p.m. in Waldo County Superior Court.

Bruso’s golden retriever, Lenny, has not been located. Anyone who may have seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3 near Boots and Saddle Road and/or Level Hill Road in Palermo is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207-624-7076.

Credit: Maine State Police