Kentucky Dentist and Son Face Charges in Employee's Stabbing Death; Family Seeks Justice

A tragic crime in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, has ignited a wave of grief and controversy that has captured the attention of the community and beyond. The case revolves around the murder of Amber Spradlin, a 39-year-old woman who was found dead in the home of a local dentist. The shocking nature of the crime, coupled with the subsequent legal battles and a civil lawsuit, has left the victim's family and the community seeking clarity and justice.

The Crime and Arrests in Kentucky

On June 18, 2023, Amber Spradlin was found dead with multiple stab wounds to the head and neck in the home of dentist Michael McKinney II in Prestonsburg. The discovery of her lifeless body sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate investigation. Michael McKinney II, 56, and another man, 23-year-old Josh Mullins, have both pleaded not guilty to charges of tampering with evidence at the scene of her death. The Kentucky dentist was released after posting $250,000 bail, court records show. The dentist's son, 24-year-old Michael McKinney III, was also arrested on July 30 and indicted on charges of murder along with multiple counts of evidence tampering. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail, according to court records.

According to court documents, the three men were charged with an additional count of evidence tampering on August 14. Prosecutors allege that after Spradlin was killed, the McKinneys and Mullins destroyed bloody clothing, the handle of a knife used in the slaying, and a security camera that would have captured the woman's murder. The indictment also accuses the three men of planting a knife in the couch where Spradlin was fatally stabbed to "suggest it was the murder weapon."

The legal proceedings have taken a tumultuous turn as the McKinney family finds themselves embroiled in a complex case. Their lawyers have not commented on the accusations, leaving the public speculating about the defense strategy and the forthcoming court proceedings. As the trial date approaches, the community remains on edge, eagerly awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.

The emotional toll of the murder has extended beyond the courtroom, as Spradlin's family has sought justice through a civil lawsuit against the county, the city of Prestonsburg, its police department, McKinney and his son, Mullins, the Seasons Inn Motel and Restaurant, and several others. The lawsuit alleges negligence and obstruction of justice on the part of law enforcement, claiming that Spradlin's death could have been prevented if a welfare check had been conducted after two calls were made to emergency services. Moreover, it accuses the Prestonsburg Police Department of inadequately training its 911 dispatchers and alleges that Spradlin's murder was not reported "until after efforts were made to cover up the crime."

As the legal proceedings unfold, questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding Spradlin's death. The events leading up to the tragedy are still shrouded in mystery, and authorities have yet to release a possible motive. The community grapples with the weight of unanswered questions as they seek closure and understanding in the wake of this horrific event.

The Day Before the Murder

In the days leading up to her death, Spradlin had taken on a new role as a hostess at a restaurant owned by the McKinney family. On the evening prior to her murder, she was reportedly still working at the establishment when her cousin, Debbie Hall, reached out to her via text. Hall urged Spradlin to exercise caution while heading home after her shift, unaware that this would be their final communication.

Comparison between her work at the restaurant and her subsequent murder

According to the family's lawsuit, Spradlin departed from the restaurant in the company of the McKinney father and son, eventually arriving at the residence of Michael McKinney II. It is alleged that at the time, Michael McKinney III had been inebriated, although another individual implicated in the lawsuit does not face any criminal charges.

The morning of the murder brought a series of events that have raised further questions. A 911 call was made from the dentist's residence between 5 and 5:30 am, with a person believed to be McKinney III requesting assistance for an emergency. However, another individual on the line countered this, stating that no emergency response was needed. According to the lawsuit, attempts were made to downplay the situation, with the caller asserting that the person in question had sustained a minor cut from a fall. What followed was a protracted delay before law enforcement finally arrived, several hours after the initial call, to discover Spradlin's lifeless body.

Allegations Against Law Enforcement

The civil lawsuit leveled against the Prestonsburg Police Department and its former chief, along with various city officials, has intensified the scrutiny on law enforcement's handling of the case. The lawsuit alleges that prompt action could have potentially prevented Spradlin's death, a claim that has sparked vigorous debate within the community.