STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
The man charged with killing Brittney Harper in Park City a year ago has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.
Thomas Joseph Orlando, 40, pleaded guilty last week in Barren County Circuit Court. The court accepted the plea but postponed sentencing pending a presentence investigation, according to a court order.
Harper was found dead in a Park City home on Sept. 4, 2025, after Kentucky State Police were called to the scene of a shooting.
Orlando had fled before troopers arrived. He was later found and arrested at Union No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Eighty Eight.
There were two children in the home when Orlando shot and killed Harper, which led to the two wanton endangerment charges.
The Commonwealth moved to amend the original murder-domestic violence charge to first-degree manslaughter. Orlando entered his plea following mediation and with advice from his attorneys, Candace Hill and Lauren Hunter.
Commonwealth’s Attorney John Gardner represented the prosecution.
Prosecutors recommended 20 years on the manslaughter count, a $1,000 fine and court costs. They also recommended five years on each wanton endangerment count, running concurrently with the manslaughter sentence, for a total recommended prison term of 20 years.
That recommendation is not a final sentence. The court found Orlando’s plea voluntary and supported by a factual basis, and found that he understood the charges and the rights he waived.
Orlando remains in custody pending the court’s ruling. The order prohibits direct or indirect contact with the victims and their families.
The order also provides for forfeiture of the seized weapon, ammunition and cellphone. Restitution for funeral and burial expenses will be determined at sentencing.
Key Facts:
– Orlando pleaded guilty Oct. 28 in Barren County Circuit Court.
– The plea covers first-degree manslaughter and two first-degree wanton endangerment counts.
– Prosecutors recommended a total of 20 years in prison, a $1,000 fine and costs.
– Orlando remains in custody pending the court’s ruling.
– A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 9 a.m.
What’s Next:
The Division of Probation and Parole must prepare a written presentence investigation report before the court’s sentencing decision. Orlando is ordered to cooperate with that investigation, with the next hearing scheduled for Dec. 9.
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