LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A woman charged in connection with the murder of a Louisville jail officer pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on Wednesday morning. Kristy Brumley, 35, was charged with complicity to murder and had her bond set at $250,000. She is currently being held at the Oldham County Detention Center.
The charges stem from the death of Michael Wehdah, a 44-year-old jail officer found shot in the 2700 block of Cedar Street in the Russell neighborhood on February 16. Wehdah, a Liberian immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 2022, had been a corrections officer with the Louisville Metro Corrections Academy since last November. He lived with his wife and teenage son at the time of his death.
Brumley’s arrest came after she reportedly confessed to her involvement in the murder. According to an arrest citation, Brumley told Louisville Metro Police officers that she brought Wehdah to the location of the shooting and was present when a co-defendant shot him. Brumley also admitted to taking Wehdah’s car and phone in an attempt to conceal or destroy evidence.
In addition to the murder charge, Brumley faces multiple outstanding warrants in Pulaski County and at least one in Jefferson County. The motive behind Wehdah’s death remains unclear, with investigators unable to confirm if his role as a corrections officer at the jail was a factor in the crime.
As police continue to piece together the details of the case, the search for a second suspect is ongoing. On Wednesday, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) investigators, in collaboration with MSD employees, conducted a search of storm drains near the scene of the murder. It remains uncertain what they were hoping to find, but the investigation is still in its early stages.
Louisville Metro Corrections Chief Jerry Collins is expected to provide additional updates on the case during a media briefing scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 27.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising questions about the safety of law enforcement officers and the circumstances surrounding the crime. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Brumley’s next court appearance is pending, and her legal team has yet to comment on the charges.
