Louisville woman charged with murder of 44-year-old jail officer Michael Wehdah

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A woman was arrested Tuesday and charged with the murder of Michael Wehdah, a 44-year-old officer at Louisville's jail.

Wehdah was found shot to death in the 2700 block of Cedar Street in the city's Russell neighborhood Feb. 16.

Wehdah, a Liberian immigrant who gained citizenship in the U.S. in 2022, lived Louisville with his wife and teenage son. He enrolled in the Louisville Metro Corrections Academy in August of last year and officially became an officer in November.

On Tuesday, Kristy Brumley, 35, admitted to police she was involved in Wehdah's murder, according to her arrest citation. She told police she brought Wehdah to the location where the shooting occurred and "was present when the victim was shot by a known co-defendant."

She also told police she took Wehdah's car and phone "for the purpose of concealing and or destroying evidence."

Brumley is charged with complicity to murder.

"Officer Michael Wehdah’s death is a devastating loss to his family, loved ones, and our entire community," Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey in a news release said Tuesday. "We are committed to ensuring justice for Officer Wehdah, and this arrest marks a crucial step toward this goal. My thoughts remain with his family as we work to hold all responsible parties accountable. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep our community safe and bring justice to those who serve it."

LMPD Lt. Les Skaggs said Wehdah went to work at LMDC at 6 a.m. Saturday. He returned home sometime after 3 p.m. that same day. It's not clear whether the motive of the shooting is related to his job at the jail, investigators said.

"When he returned home, his family was there, and a short time later, they left," Skaggs said. "That is the last time someone we know who knew Michael saw him alive. The family attempted several times Saturday to reach Michael unsuccessfully."

"The dedication and professionalism shown by the men and women of the LMPD Homicide Unit have been exemplary throughout this investigation," Skaggs said in a news release. "While today's arrest represents significant progress, the work is not over. We will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that all involved in Officer Wehdah’s tragic death face the consequences of their actions. Justice will prevail for Officer Wehdah and his family."

Brumley is being held in the Oldham County Detention Center.

If you have any information about this case, you are asked to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or submit a tip on the anonymous Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

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