PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The prosecution has filed its response to a request by Michael McKinney that he be freed from home incarceration and drug testing requirements.
McKinney is charged with evidence tampering related to the murder of Amber Spradlin, whose body was found in his home June 18, 2023. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder. Like Michael McKinney, M.K. McKinney and family friend Josh Mullins are also charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.
After the murder trial was delayed until January during a hearing last month, Michael McKinney’s attorney filed a motion asking that he be freed from the restrictions of home incarceration and drug testing.
In his response, Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner grudgingly agreed to the request for release after speaking with Spradlin’s family. Turner said he and the family are in favor of releasing McKinney for the sole reason that they do not want him earning any more jail time while at home that would be credited against a future prison sentence.
As for the request for release from drug testing, Turner said he would defer to Special Judge Eddy Coleman’s judgment on that matter.
Turner added that he does not believe there is a need to hold a hearing on the matter and that he has no objection to Judge Coleman entering a ruling based on the motion and response.
The defendants are currently scheduled to go on trial Jan. 11, with the next pretrial conference set for Sept. 17.
A copy of Turner’s response follows:
