PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The man accused of killing Amber Spradlin will see his bond remain at $5 million, the judge in the case ruled Monday afternoon.

Spradlin’s body was found in the Arkansas Creek home of Dr. Michael McKinney on June 18, 2023. She had been stabbed at least 12 times in the neck and head.

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

M.K. McKinney’s bond has been set at $5 million, full cash. His attorney, Steven Romines, had requested a lower bond, saying the amount was not in line with similar cases. He also tried to sow doubt about the case by pointing the finger at another person as a potential subject.

But on Monday afternoon, Special Judge Eddy Coleman rejected those arguments.

“While the Court has given due consideration to the pretrial risk assessment but believes it
does not account for the circumstances of this indictment,” Coleman wrote in his order. “Murder is a capital offense, the most serious classification of crime in this Commonwealth, whether the death penalty is available or not. The Commonwealth alleges that the DNA results and other evidence now available would support their indictment of the Defendant’s guilt. The Commonwealth also alleges that the Defendant may have violent tendencies or some kind of questionable mental status, but the Court notes that he does not have a criminal record. It does appear that the Defendant’s father and codefendant has adequate means to post a significant bond to secure his son’s bail. Looking at the allegations as argued by the parties and supported by exhibits to their briefs, it is a finding of this Court that the current bail set by the Court is reasonable, and, accordingly, the Defendant’s Motion to Reduce Bond is DENIED.”

No trial date has yet been set. The next hearing in the case will take place in February.

A full copy of the judge’s order can be found below: