PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The family of Amber Spradlin has now voiced their objection to Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams’ request for a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation and prosecution of her murder.
Spradlin’s body was found June 18 at the Arkansas Creek home of Dr. Michael McKinney, a prominent Prestonsburg dentist.
On Friday, Williams sent a letter to Attorney General Daniel Cameron requesting a special prosecutor in the case. Williams said he felt motivated to make the request due to public skepticism in the case, fueled by McKinney’s connections to local officials.
That request was met with strong opposition from Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner, whose office would prosecute any case arising from the investigation.
Now, her family is joining Turner in his opposition to the request, as shown in a letter from their attorney that has been obtained by Mountain Top News.
Mark Wohlander writes in the letter that Williams’ request for a special prosecutor “is opposed by the family in the strongest of terms.”
“Notwithstanding any concerns the family might have regarding the influence of local politics, those concerns have absolutely nothing to do with the Kentucky State Police, the Hon. Keith Bartley, County Attorney, or the Hon. Arnold Brent Turner, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 31st Judicial Circuit,” Wohlander wrote.
He adds that the family is concerned about what he called Williams’ attempts to “interject” himself into the case.
“In fact, the family is very concerned that somehow the judge-executive has obtained copies of the confidential 911 dispatch audios which have apparently been shared with individuals not involved as investigators in the case,” Wohlander wrote. “This is troubling on a number of levels, especially since the improper release of those audios could ultimately interfere and obstruct the investigation. The family has other concerns regarding Judge Executive Williams, especially in view of the fact that he may be a witness in the eventual civil action against Floyd County, and potentially a witness in any potential criminal prosecution.”
A full copy of the letter is reprinted below:
