More than a year ago, Amber Spradlin was found dead in the home of a well-known dentist in eastern Kentucky. Recently, the dentist and his son were arrested in connection with her fatal stabbing, but the motive for the crime remains unclear. Spradlin’s family blames law enforcement officials for failing to protect her, leading to a lawsuit against several defendants, including the former police chief. The lawsuit alleges negligence, obstruction of justice, and other misconduct related to the handling of emergency calls made from the dentist’s home on the morning of Spradlin’s death.
Michael McKinney II, the dentist, has been indicted on complicity to tampering with evidence, while his son faces charges of murder and tampering. Another suspect, Josh Mullins, has also been indicted on tampering charges. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The family has accused the Prestonsburg Police Department of failing to properly respond to an emergency call made from the McKinney home on the morning of Spradlin’s death. The call was reported to be for the removal of an intoxicated individual, but the severity of the situation was disputed by Spradlin’s cousin who listened to the call.
Following Spradlin’s death, the Kentucky State Police investigated the case but have not released additional details about the killing. A series of emergency calls were made from the McKinney home on the morning of Spradlin’s death, including one described as “chilling” by Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams. Williams and other law enforcement officials have faced criticism for their handling of the case, with the family seeking justice for Spradlin through a Facebook group and billboards around their community.
Amber Spradlin was described as someone who deeply cared for her family and friends. In the weeks leading up to her death, she had started working at a restaurant owned by the McKinney family. The elder McKinney is a well-known dentist in Prestonsburg, and his license has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into Spradlin’s death. The family’s spokesperson, Debbie Hall, remembered her last contact with Spradlin, warning her to be careful on her way home from work. The lawsuit against law enforcement officials alleges that prompt action could have saved Spradlin’s life.
The lawsuit further accuses the former police chief of failing to take action to prevent Spradlin’s death after being contacted by McKinney II. The indictment against the suspects includes allegations of evidence tampering and planting, as well as the destruction of potential surveillance footage. The family continues to seek justice for Spradlin, pushing for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The cloud of uncertainty hanging over their community has raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement and emergency response in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
