Cleveland Metroparks investigators are now exploring a potential connection between a recent murder-suicide in West Park and the unsolved 2019 killings of Kate Brown and Carnell Sledge in the Rocky River Reservation.
Bryan Hurt, 66, was found dead last week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after allegedly killing his neighbor, Thomas Overall. Now, Cleveland Metroparks Police confirm that Hurt is being investigated for any possible involvement in the 2019 double homicide that occurred along a popular trail within the park system.
In a statement provided to the media, Metroparks officials said, “Cleveland Metroparks Police continue to pursue leads into the double homicide of Kate Brown and Carnell Sledge. Our detectives are investigating whether Bryan Hurt has any potential connection to the 2019 case.”
The development has reignited hope among the victims’ families. Tom Brown, father of Kate Brown, called the update “huge” and voiced confidence in the investigative team. Darlene Sledge, mother of Carnell Sledge, said the new lead is the most progress she’s seen in six years. “Could this be connected? Because of the area, it made me think back to Nell and Kate,” she said.
Hurt had a troubled history, including a criminal record and multiple incidents involving disputes with neighbors. Public records show nearly two dozen reports involving Hurt over the last two years, with accusations ranging from threats to harassment. He also previously served time for an assault that occurred in a courtroom.
Cleveland Metroparks Police Chief Kelly Stillman acknowledged similarities between the recent murder-suicide and the 2019 homicides, prompting a deeper examination of Hurt’s background. “There were some similarities that we felt warranted an in-depth look at him,” Stillman said, while declining to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation. “Anybody living leaves clues. Anybody deceased leaves clues.”
Investigators have not confirmed any definitive link yet, and it remains unclear how long it may take to reach a conclusion. However, Crime Stoppers continues to offer a reward for tips that lead to an arrest in the Metroparks case.
Families of the victims remain cautiously optimistic. “We speculate—was it the same gun? Was it this? Was it that?” said Tom Brown. “If there is a link to be found between Kate and Carnell and this West Park incident, the detectives will find it.”