56-year-old Robert Bruso of Palermo has been identified as a victim of homicide, after police conducted a welfare check on April 19.
From the Maine State Police:
On April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:30 am, the Maine State Police responded to 128 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo for a welfare check. Upon arrival, Troopers discovered the body of a deceased male outside of the residence. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit Central responded and determined the circumstances of the death to be suspicious. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy was conducted. The individual has been identified as 56-year-old Robert Bruso of Palermo. The manner of death has been ruled homicide. The cause of death is not being released at this time. There is no known danger to the public.
Bruso owned a golden retriever named Lenny, who has not yet been located. Anyone with information about the location of Lenny, or who may have seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3 near Boots and Saddle Road and/or Level Hill Road in Palermo, is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207.624.7076.