PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Special Judge Eddy Coleman on Friday issued an order delaying the start of the Amber Spradlin murder trial by one day, to give the prosecution time to make its case for a lengthier continuance.
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.
All three defendants were scheduled to go on trial May 11, but yesterday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner asked for a delay because not all of the evidence has completed DNA testing.
In an order filed just after noon on Friday, Judge Coleman outlined the competing interests that need to be considered in pursuing justice.
“Although just one of several factors the court must consider, it is noted the defendant’s right to a speedy trial does not disappear because he has made bail pending trial by securing an adequate bond,” Coleman wrote. “So, how does this court determine whether necessity and fairness to all parties requires another delay despite one defendant’s demand for a speedy trial? By reviewing the circumstances alleged by the Commonwealth last fall and again now — half a year later and less than two weeks before trial is set to begin.”
In his order, Coleman delayed the trial by one day. Instead, attorneys have been ordered to attend a hearing May 11 to determine whether another delay is warranted.
Saying he could not “make findings of fact based on bare allegations alone,” Coleman ordered Turner’s office to produce a witness from the state crime lab to testify “regarding all outstanding forensic testing, the expected date of completion of said testing, and to explain the delay.” Testimony will be limited to those specific issues.
Judge Coleman also raised the possibility separating M.K. McKinney’s trial from the other defendants. Under such a scenario, M.K. McKinney could go to trial for murder on May 12, while his father and Mullins could see their cases delayed.
The May 11 hearing will also consider all other pretrial motions.
A copy of the judge’s order follows:
