LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man charged with arson after his girlfriend was found dead in Jefferson Memorial Forest in July was released from jail Wednesday. That's according to VINE notices received when a person is released from jail.

Court records indicate that 37-year-old Timothy Winterholler's case was dismissed after a grand jury found there was not enough evidence to indict him. 

Winterholler's girlfriend, Lynnden Bray, was reported missing July 13 after her dogs and car were found at Jefferson Memorial Forest. She was later found dead. Winterholler was arrested a few days after her death and charged with arson, and police said he admitted to setting a fire inside Bray's car. 

"LMPD interviewed him on July 14, and he stated to them that he had set the vehicle on fire during an argument with Ms. Bray," Sgt. Jason Gray with Louisville Metro Arson testified at a hearing in July, adding that Winterholler set the car on fire because "he was angry at her leaving and was trying to destroy it."

Investigators said Winterholler used a lighter and lit the detached seat cover on fire and that spread to the seat cushion. Gray said Winterholler also pulled some wires out of the ignition, which were still hanging down when the car was examined by investigators.

Winterholler's public defender, Catherine Howard, argued he should be charged with criminal mischief, but the judge sided with the Commonwealth's Attorneys Office.

"I want to make it clear — and for everyone to know and for everyone in this courtroom — that my client isn’t charged with any sort of homicide," Howard said. "He's not charged with the murder of his girlfriend."

Police are still investigating the death of Bray.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.

If you have information about a story you think the WDRB Investigates Team should look into, you can email investigate@wdrb.com or call the WDRB Investigates line at 502-322-1297.