Just two days before Christmas in 2021, a night out at a popular Louisville restaurant turned into a scene of tragedy, leaving two men dead and a community in shock. Michael Anthony Miller, a 48-year-old male, was fatally shot on the evening of December 23, 2021, inside a crowded Roosters restaurant on Preston Highway. The incident also claimed the life of another man, 51-year-old Bradley Cross.
The events of that night led to the arrest of Karson Reitz.
Following the shooting, Reitz was taken into custody and subsequently faced legal proceedings. His initial trial concluded in a mistrial, a development that left the victims' families waiting for justice. However, the pursuit of accountability continued, and a subsequent trial found Reitz guilty on two counts of manslaughter.
In February 2025, a judge sentenced Karson Reitz to 17 years in prison for his role in the deaths of Michael Miller and Bradley Cross. During the sentencing, the emotional weight of the tragedy was evident as family members of the victims addressed the court, sharing the profound impact of their loss. Reitz also spoke, expressing remorse for his actions that irrevocably changed the lives of two families. The judge, in handing down the sentence, acknowledged the chaotic nature of the event but upheld the jury's recommendation for a 17-year prison term.
