Louisville man indicted on murder and animal torture charges following grisly discovery in Old Louisville apartment

Charles Gerlach has been indicted for murder and dog torture in Old Louisville. Read the details of the February 26 incident and the $1M bond ruling.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WKYT and WAVE

A Violent Confrontation in Old Louisville

The Jefferson County grand jury has issued a formal indictment against Charles Gerlach in connection with a double killing that has shocked the local community. The charges stem from a late February incident at a fourth-floor apartment located on West Ormsby Street. Gerlach was apprehended after reportedly jumping from the apartment window, an act that resulted in injuries that initially required medical attention before his transfer to judicial custody.

The Discovery of the Victims

Police units arriving at the scene to investigate the reported disturbance discovered a harrowing environment within the residence. Upon searching the apartment, officers located the body of a man concealed inside a closet, hidden behind a mattress. Further investigation of the kitchen area led to the discovery of a deceased chihuahua in the sink. Forensic investigators determined the dog had been drowned, leading to additional specialized charges under Kentucky’s animal welfare statutes.

Legal Ramifications of Intentional Animal Torture

The inclusion of animal-related counts has drawn significant attention from advocacy groups, including the "Ethan Almighty" foundation. Under Kentucky law, the intentional torture or killing of a domestic dog or cat is classified as a felony. Jeff Callaway, founder of the advocacy group, attended the court proceedings to ensure the animal cruelty charges were not overshadowed by the murder count. Callaway emphasized that maintaining these charges is a mechanical necessity for ensuring comprehensive punishment for multi-victim violent crimes.