Amber Spradlin Killed in Prestonsburg Kentucky

On June 18, 2023, the quiet town of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, was rocked by a crime that would become one of the most scrutinized murder cases in the state. Amber Spradlin, a 38-year-old woman, was found brutally stabbed in the home of Dr. Michael McKinney II, a well-known local dentist. The case, which remained unsolved for over a year, eventually led to the arrests of Dr. McKinney, his son Michael McKinney III (M.K. McKinney), and their family friend Josh Mullins.

The details surrounding Spradlin’s murder, the subsequent investigation, and the legal proceedings have drawn widespread attention due to the connections between the suspects and law enforcement, allegations of evidence tampering, and a lawsuit from the victim’s family. This article provides an in-depth look at the case, including the crime itself, the investigation, arrests, legal proceedings, and its impact on the community.

Amber Spradlin was described by friends and family as a kind-hearted, vibrant, and caring individual. She had a strong presence in her community and was known for her compassion. However, the circumstances that led to her tragic demise remain clouded in mystery and controversy.

Spradlin had connections to the McKinney family, but how she ended up at Dr. McKinney’s home on the night of her death remains a central question in the case. Authorities suspect that she was brought there from a local inn owned by the McKinneys, where she had been seen earlier that day.

On June 18, 2023, authorities received a call reporting a disturbance at Dr. McKinney’s home in Prestonsburg. However, details about that initial 911 call are still being debated in court. Prosecutors argue that Dr. McKinney misled dispatchers, while defense attorneys insist that it was simply a misunderstanding.

When first responders arrived, they found Spradlin dead in one of the rooms, suffering from multiple stab wounds to the head, neck, and torso. An autopsy later revealed that she had been stabbed at least 12 times.

Rather than immediately calling 911, Dr. McKinney allegedly made an eight-minute phone call to then-Prestonsburg Police Chief Randy Woods before reporting the crime. This decision has been heavily scrutinized and is a key point in the ongoing legal battle.

For over a year, Spradlin’s murder remained unsolved, with no official arrests. However, in 2024, significant developments took place:

• DNA EVIDENCE: Authorities discovered skin cells under Spradlin’s fingernails, indicating a struggle. Lab tests showed that the DNA matched either M.K. McKinney or his father, Dr. McKinney.
• INJURIES ON THE SUSPECT: When investigators examined M.K. McKinney three days after the murder, he reportedly had numerous scratches on his arms, further suggesting a struggle.
• EVIDENCE TAMPERING: Security footage from the home was reportedly deleted or removed, raising concerns about a possible cover-up.
• PHONE RECORDS: Dr. McKinney’s call to the police chief before reporting the crime raised red flags, leading to questions about whether law enforcement tried to interfere in the case.

As evidence mounted, the case took a dramatic turn in July 2024, when police arrested Michael McKinney III for murder and charged Dr. McKinney and Josh Mullins with complicity to evidence tampering.

Authorities arrested M.K. McKinney as the primary suspect in Spradlin’s murder. His father, Dr. McKinney, and their friend, Josh Mullins, were arrested on charges of tampering with evidence.

M.K. McKinney’s attorneys argued for a bond reduction, stating that he posed no flight risk and had no prior criminal record. However, prosecutors opposed the request, citing the severity of the crime and the overwhelming evidence against him. The judge ultimately denied the motion, keeping McKinney’s bond at $5 million.

Meanwhile, Dr. McKinney was released on a $250,000 bond, while Josh Mullins remains under investigation for his role in the case.

Spradlin’s family has not remained silent throughout this process. They have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the McKinneys and law enforcement officials, alleging corruption, mishandling of evidence, and a cover-up.

Additionally, they have pushed for legislation called “Amber’s Law”, which seeks to increase crime lab funding to prevent delays in forensic testing. The family argues that had forensic results been expedited, authorities could have arrested the suspects much sooner.

As of early 2025, the legal battle continues. Prosecutors have presented strong evidence tying M.K. McKinney to the crime, while his defense team continues to argue that there is reasonable doubt in the case.

The trial is expected to draw significant media attention, given the involvement of prominent figures in Prestonsburg and the implications of alleged police corruption.

The killing of Amber Spradlin has deeply affected the Prestonsburg community, raising concerns about the integrity of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and public safety.

• Many residents have expressed outrage over the delay in arrests, questioning whether Dr. McKinney’s influence played a role in stalling the investigation.
• Others have rallied around the Spradlin family, supporting their efforts to push for justice and legislative changes.
• The case has also sparked debates about the effectiveness of Kentucky’s crime labs, as forensic backlogs were a major issue in the investigation.

With court proceedings still underway, the case continues to dominate headlines in Kentucky, with many awaiting a final verdict.

The murder of Amber Spradlin on June 18, 2023, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, remains a heartbreaking case of violence, corruption, and legal complexities. The investigation and trial will be crucial in determining the truth, and many hope it will lead to justice for Amber.

As the case moves forward, one thing remains clear—the town of Prestonsburg will not forget Amber Spradlin, and her family will continue to fight for the justice she deserves.