Winchester man indicted on murder charge in Powell County, tied to two death investigations

POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Powell County grand jury has indicted 44-year-old Brian Epperson on multiple charges, including murder, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and tampering with physical evidence.

According to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office – 39th Judicial Circuit, Epperson is being held on a $1 million cash bond following Monday’s indictment. His arraignment is set for September 3, 2025, in Powell Circuit Court.

Death of Kristen Morris

The indictment stems from the June 27 death of 32-year-old Kristen Morris, who was found dead from an apparent overdose inside an Airbnb in Stanton. Kentucky State Police say Epperson became a suspect that same day and was arrested on murder and drug charges.

Connection to second death

Also on June 27, 35-year-old Reacheal Dawson was found dead in a Winchester hotel room. Investigators say Dawson had been reported missing from Irvine the day before, and her cell phone was traced to a room at the Red Roof Inn on Interstate Drive. Police say Epperson had rented that room and remains the primary suspect in her death, though he has not been formally charged in that case.

Additional charges

In addition to the Powell County indictment, jail records show Epperson is also charged with video voyeurism. Winchester Police say they are working closely with Kentucky State Police as part of their ongoing investigation.

The department has asked anyone who had a personal relationship with Epperson, hired him as a contractor, or allowed him access to their home for maintenance in the past three years to contact investigators.