Defendants in Amber Spradlin murder case return to court ahead of December trial

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Three defendants charged in connection with the death of Amber Spradlin were back in court Thursday for a status hearing ahead of their upcoming trial.

Spradlin’s body was found in June 2023 at the Prestonsburg home of dentist Dr. Michael McKinney. His son, M.K. McKinney, is charged with her murder. Both McKinneys, along with family friend Josh Mullins, are charged with tampering with physical evidence.

Thursday’s hearing marked the first since the case was moved from Floyd County to Pike County. Attorneys are expected to discuss the use of expert witnesses at trial, including forensic scientists and potentially DNA or psychiatric experts.

The trial is currently set to begin December 1.