Louisville Man Carl 'Mikey' Kinley Found Dead Under Cardboard Box at Bethany Cemetery; Two Arrested

A Louisville man, Carl “Mikey” Michael Kinley, 45, was found deceased under a large cardboard box at Bethany Cemetery earlier this week. Police arrested two men in connection with the incident, which has sparked significant community outrage and questions about accountability.

Investigators allege Brad Brinkley, 40, drove his truck over the box, felt a bump, drove over it a second time, and then saw a hand. According to police, Brinkley told cemetery groundskeeper Thomas Litsey, 60, what happened. Litsey is accused of omitting Brinkley’s alleged involvement from his report when authorities discovered the body.

Kinley died of blunt force trauma. Police say he walked into the cemetery alive on his own.

Both Brinkley and Litsey appeared in court on Friday. Brinkley faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide, and is held on a $250,000 bond. Litsey’s bond is set at $50,000. Both men are due back in court later this month.

Kinley’s brother, Charles Barbe, expressed the family’s deep confusion and desire for answers. “I got a million questions,” Barbe said. “Everybody loved him.” The community seeks answers regarding the circumstances of Kinley's death and the actions of those involved.

Residents can follow court proceedings for updates on this developing case.