BURKESVILLE — A man connected to a murder in Cumberland County was arrested in California last week.
Kentucky State Police said the arrest stems from an investigation started on Sept. 26. Police responded to a home along Glasgow Road and discovered a man inside dead.
Troopers and detectives responded to the scene and learned Michael Harding, 56, of Celina, Tenn., had suffered fatal injuries from apparent gunshot wounds.
The ensuing investigation led KSP to partner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other local and state law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, Tennessee, and California. The planning and execution of the crime allegedly included multiple local and state jurisdictions.
Thomas O’Donnell, 60, of Napa, Calif., was arrested in Sacramento, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 8, after authorities determined he was involved in the crime. KSP, the FBI, and local authorities arrested O’Donnell at the Sacramento International Airport and charged him with the murder of Harding. O’Donnell is lodged in the Sacramento County main jail in Sacramento. He awaits extradition back to Kentucky.
KSP Detective BJ Burton was assisted by Detective Mike Dubree and Special Agents with the FBI Louisville/Bowling Green Resident Agency.
The murder investigation continues.
