PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Two defendants in case tied to the murder of Amber Spradlin have lost their bids to get out of home incarceration.
Michael McKinney, 57, and Josh Mullins, 25, are each charged with eight counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the June 18, 2023, murder of Spradlin, whose body was found in McKinney’s home. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, 25, is charged with her murder, as well as evidence tampering.
Michael McKinney and Mullins have been out of jail since shortly after their arrests in July of 2024, but have remained under home incarceration with permission to leave for work. Earlier this month, both asked to be relieved of the home incarceration requirements, saying they have complied with all conditions.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner objected to the request, saying their compliance was an argument to keep things as-is, rather than changing them.
On Friday, Special Judge Eddy Coleman issued orders answering the motions with one sentence: “It is hereby ordered by the court that the defendant’s motion to modify bond conditions is denied.”
The judge gave no further rationale for his decision.
All three defendants are due back in court Feb. 26 for a pretrial conference. Their trial is scheduled to begin May 11 and is expected to last 3-to-4 weeks.
M.K. McKinney remains in the Floyd County Detention Center. He had been held on a $5 million bond, but at a hearing Dec. 1, Judge Coleman agreed to allow him to bond out by posting $2 million in property and $400,000 in cash.
His attorney has since asked for a further reduction to either $500,000 in cash or $1 million in property and $400,000 in cash, saying he is unable to meet the current property requirement. The judge has not yet ruled on that request.
