Judge also sets limits on demonstrations, designates Mountain Top Media to provide livestream of proceedings

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A date has been set for the Amber Spradlin murder trial to begin.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman filed an order Wednesday setting the date as Monday, Dec. 1.

During a hearing last month, Judge Coleman had expressed a preference for setting a trial date “around” the first of December, saying he would like proceedings to be finished by the end of the year, but Wednesday’s order gives the trial an official date to begin.

Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, in the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney. She had been stabbed at least a dozen times in the neck and head.

McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins have been charged with eight counts evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.

Coleman’s order also officially moves all proceedings in the case to Pike County and addresses other matters taken up in the April hearing.

The judge also ordered that no groups will be allowed to demonstrate on behalf of Spradlin or any of the parties in the case within 25 feet of any entrance of the Pike County Judicial Center. Those taking part in demonstrations in other areas are also barred from taking any action that could disrupt proceedings, such as encouraging passing motorists to honk their horns. Likewise, those attending the trial will be barred from wearing any apparel depicting support for Spradlin or any of the parties of the case.

Finally, the order designates Mountain Top Media as the official pool camera for all proceedings and authorizes the company to provide livestream coverage of the hearings and trial.

The next hearing in the case will be July 24, during which time it is expected the prosecution and defense will discuss the experts they intend to call as witnesses, along with any other matters that arise.