Breathitt Co. man charged with murder in connection to missing persons case
BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)
1/8/24, 11:28 a.m.
KSP, in a call with ABC 36, says on Jan. 6, they were called to KY 1098 around 6 p.m. in Breathitt County about a burned vehicle where they found human remains inside.
The remains have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort.
A press release is expected later today with more information, KSP added.
1/8/24, 11:03 a.m.
Napier is facing murder and tampering with physical evidence charges related to the missing persons case of Campbell.
His bond is set at $1 million, according to the Kentucky River Regional Jail, where he’s being lodged.
The jail confirmed to ABC 36 that the cases are connected.
KSP says they can’t confirm the case relation, however, are investigating.
1/8/24, 10:58 a.m.
A man was arrested Sunday in connection to a missing persons case in Breathitt County.
Deputies took Fairley Napier in for questioning around 5 a.m. Sunday, according to Breathitt County Sheriff John Hollan. After questioning, Kentucky State Police arrested him.
His charges have not yet been released.
A woman in the same area has been missing since Thursday.
Arthur Smith Jr. posted on Facebook that there’s a $5,000 reward for information that would lead to the return of his wife, Joanie Campbell.
Friends and family on Facebook shared they’ve been searching for Campbell since last week.
It’s been unclear whether the cases are connected.
ABC 36 has reached out to KSP for comment. We have not heard back as of publishing time.
