PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A Floyd County official’s letter to Attorney General Daniel Cameron requesting the appointment of a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into the murder of a Prestonsburg woman has put him at odds with both the current prosecutor and family members of the victim.
But at least one family member acknowledges the need for a different type of oversight.
Judge-Executive Robbie Williams made the request Friday for a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into the death of Amber Spradlin, who was found stabbed to death June 18 at the home of Dr. Michael McKinney.
That was followed later that day by a letter from Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner opposing the request and accusing Williams of interfering with the case and obstructing the investigation.
On Monday, Mark Wohlander also sent a letter to Cameron objecting to Williams’ request on behalf of the family, who he represents. And a statement from Spradlin’s cousin, Dr. Debra Hall, over the weekend indicated the family “stands FIRMLY behind Brent Turner” and Kentucky State Police.
But in a letter written by Hall to Cameron’s office on August 22, she acknowledges the need for some type of oversight over the situation.
“I would like to request that if any way possible, some oversight is provided to the investigation of the case,” Hall wrote. “I have faith in the work the KSP is conducting, but am concerned about all the closeness and social ties Dr. McKinney has with local and statewide politicians, and I’m concerned Amber will not get justice for this horrendous case.”
Hall explains there are a number of reasons for her request.
“My concern is that Dr. McKinney is a wealthy, influential person with lots of political ties and this could affect the progress of the case,” Hall wrote to Cameron. “Why in the world would he be calling city and county officials shortly after finding a murdered woman in his house? He is very good friends with the chief of police, attends ballgames and other social events with him. Additionally, the chief of police is cousins with two other individuals who were present in the home during the murder. The chief of police resigned six days following the murder. Dr. McKinney is a financial contributor to the Democratic Party and since our governor oversees the KSP, I am concerned about the integrity of the investigation. From what I know thus far, it seems a coverup was attempted but thwarted by the arrival of KSP on the scene.”
When contacted by Mountain Top News Monday night, Hall explained that she was not asking for a special prosecutor when she made her request for oversight.
She maintains that Turner has been thoroughly involved in pursing the investigation and has kept the family well-informed about developments in the case.
She said that her concerns are in regard to the potential for others to interfere with the investigation, but she did not accuse anyone directly or provide examples of interference.
Mountain Top News is not releasing the full letter at this time, because it contains information which cannot be independently verified until police release more information, and because release of some of the information could potentially interfere with the investigation.
