PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Special Judge Eddy Coleman has issued ground rules for the upcoming trial in the Amber Spradlin murder case, now scheduled to begin two weeks from today.

Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.

In addition to setting deadlines for pretrial disclosures and proposed jury instructions, the rules also give us the first glimpse at how the trial will be conducted.

JURY SELECTION

As in all trials, the case will begin May 11 in Pikeville with jury selection. That procedure will be closed to the public and media. No one other than attorneys, court personnel, defendants and prospective jurors will be allowed in the courtroom during jury selection.

Judge Coleman will begin jury selection by asking prospective jurors about potential conflicts, and attorneys will be allowed to ask follow-up questions.

Following the judge’s interviews, the attorneys will be given their own time to interview prospective jurors, with 90 minutes set aside for the prosecution, 60 minutes for M.K. McKinney and 30 minutes each for the other two defendants.

Each side will be given 10 peremptory challenges, which allow a potential juror to be dismissed without stating a reason. In addition, each attorney for the defendants will be given an additional three challenges, for a total of 29 prospective jurors who can be dismissed for any reason.

Once 16 jurors are seated — 12 regular and four alternates — the courtroom will be opened to the public.

TRIAL CONDUCT

Between jury selection and opening statements, the court will hear any pretrial motions.

Afterwards, the trial will begin in earnest with opening arguments. The prosecution will be given 90 minutes, M.K. McKinney’s attorney will be given 60 minutes and attorneys for the other two defendants will be given 30 minutes each.

Objections will not be spoken in front the jury. Instead, attorneys will simply say, “Objection,” and then approach the bench to discuss the matter out of earshot of jurors.

Following the conclusion of testimony, closing arguments will be delivered with the same time limits as opening arguments.

COURT DECORUM

Coleman’s order also governs the conduct of the public, to prohibit attempts to sway jurors. It bars congregations or demonstrations on behalf of any party or victim within 25 feet of any courthouse entrance. Demonstrations outside of those areas are prohibited from encouraging actions that could disrupt or disturb the case, such as asking passersby to honk their horns.

Anyone wearing clothing expressing support for any party or victim will be denied entry to the courtroom.

MEDIA COVERAGE

While media will be allowed in the courtroom to cover the trial, Mountain Top Media will have the only cameras and will provide audio and video to all media who request it.

A copy of the full order follows: