Crime House Daily: First Watch
Episode: Woman Says Her High Heels Led to Death of Joe McMullins
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Katie Ring
Episode Overview
In this episode of Crime House Daily, host Katie Ring covers two headline-grabbing true crime cases:
- The ongoing investigation into Amber Spradlin’s 2023 murder in Kentucky, highlighting the delays, suspected cover-up, and emotional impact on her family.
- The recent conviction of Houston housewife Christina Chambers, who blamed her high heels for a deadly drunk-driving incident that killed Joe McMullins on his first date, leading to a "symbolic sentencing."
The episode provides key timeline details, courtroom highlights, and personal portraits of the victims—plus key quotes and insights on both cases.
[03:28] Case One: The Murder of Amber Spradlin
Background
- Victim: Amber Nicole Spradlin, 38, Prestonsburg, KY
- Raised by her grandparents after her mother's murder
- Described as hardworking, selfless, devoted to church and animals
Timeline & Scene [03:28-09:31]
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June 17, 2023:
- Amber finished her shift at Brick House restaurant.
- Went out for drinks with friend Roy Kidd at Season’s Inn.
- Others at the bar: Michael McKinney (55, local dentist), his son MK (23), Josh Mullins (23), Josh's girlfriend Lauren.
- After drinks, group continued the night at Michael’s home.
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Overnight events:
- Heavy drinking in Michael's basement bar.
- By 5:20am, Roy Kidd was drunk and went to bed.
- Amber remained with others until ~7am; Josh went to bed; MK left the house at 8:30am.
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Discovery [09:31]:
- Roy woke at ~10am to find Amber slumped, unresponsive on the couch—dried blood on her face and shirt.
- Initially suspected stroke or brain bleed.
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Michael’s Actions:
- Michael called a police officer (Randy Woods) before dialing 911.
- Told the dispatcher Amber had been "murdered and her throat was slit," though at the scene, the wound was not visible and responders thought it was a medical death.
Investigation Highlights [09:31-13:30]
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Suspicious details:
- Blood in the kitchen sink and laundry room; evidence of an attempted cleanup.
- Blood found in various other locations, including Michael’s bedroom door.
- Missing surveillance camera typically pointed at the couch where Amber was found.
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Medical findings:
- Amber had 12 stab wounds; knife blade still lodged in her neck.
- Michael’s early insistence she was murdered raised investigators' suspicions.
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Slow Progress:
- Case stalled for a year due to DNA lab backlogs.
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Arrests [13:30]:
- July 30, 2024: Michael McKinney, MK, and Josh Mullins arrested.
- Michael and Josh: Multiple counts of evidence tampering.
- MK: Evidence tampering + murder.
- All plead not guilty.
- Bonds: Michael ($250K), Josh ($50K), MK ($5M—remained in custody).
Current Status and Issues
- Over 30 new items still require DNA testing.
- Trial delayed (motion approved on Nov 8, 2025) to allow more evidence analysis.
- Host Katie on the case’s complexity:
"Stabbing someone 12 times and slitting their throat doesn’t sound like an accident." [10:33]
Notable Quote
- Amber’s family member:
“Well, I think of her every day and I cried just about every day and I still constantly think of her. It’s been very difficult.” [01:52]
[13:30] Case Two: Houston’s “High Heel Defense” Death of Joe McMullins
Victim Background
- Joe McMullins, 33:
- Known as brave, kind, and passionate about social justice.
- Worked two jobs and approached life and dating with optimism.
- On April 19, 2023, went on a first date with Briana Iturino.
Timeline of Events [13:30-17:23]
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The Date:
- Met at Avant Garden karaoke bar; afterward, stopped at Voodoo Donuts.
- While walking back to their cars (near 2am), both notice a speeding car.
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The crash:
- Briana jumped out of harm’s way. Joe was struck and killed instantly, thrown 30 feet.
- Briana attempted CPR until bystanders and EMS arrived, but Joe was pronounced dead.
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Scene Details:
- Porsche 911 Carrera heavily damaged.
- Witness Alfred Ponce: "The car reeked of alcohol."
- Police found baggies of cocaine in the driver’s purse.
- Driver: Christina Chambers, 34.
The Investigation and Trial
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Chambers’ BAC: 0.30 (4x legal limit), an hour after the crash.
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Police conclusion:
“It was clear that Christina had acted with extreme recklessness.” [17:06]
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Legal proceedings:
- Christina pleaded not guilty; blamed road conditions and her “high heels” for losing control.
- Defense cited the notorious curve in the road, suggested heels jammed the accelerator.
- Prosecutor and witnesses established reckless intoxication and clear responsibility.
- Christina’s husband filed for divorce days after the arrest.
Verdict and Sentencing
- October 23, 2025:
- Chambers found guilty of manslaughter.
- Sentenced to 11 years and 14 days in prison—numbers chosen to honor Joe’s birthday (Nov 14).
- Joe’s family filed a civil lawsuit for over $1 million (ongoing).
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On drunk driving (Katie Ring):
"I am so tired of people drinking and driving in this day and age … there’s literally no excuse for it. No one should ever be driving because you are putting innocent lives at risk." [17:51]
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On defendant’s defense:
“Desperate to defend herself, Christina claimed her high heels got stuck on the gas pedal and her lawyer blamed the road, calling it one of Houston’s most dangerous curves … I didn’t buy it. The jury didn’t buy it either.” [19:01]
Important Timestamps
- [03:28] – Amber Spradlin case intro & background
- [09:31] – Discovery of Amber’s body & suspicious early statements
- [10:33] – DNA evidence and charging decisions
- [13:30] – Joe McMullins’ death, background, and the first date
- [15:21] – Details of crash, witness reactions, arrest of Christina Chambers
- [17:51] – Host’s commentary on drunk driving and subsequent investigation
- [19:01] – “High heel” defense and trial verdict
- [19:40] – Symbolic sentencing explained
- [20:10] – Closing remarks and call for audience engagement
Episode Tone & Style
- Adopts a respectful yet direct tone, blending empathy for victims with clear frustration at preventable crimes.
- Mixes thorough case breakdowns with relatable commentary and serialized updates.
- Host deploys both detailed timelines and personalized victim profiles to evoke emotional responses.
Memorable Takeaways
- Amber Spradlin’s case underscores the pain of delayed justice and the devastating impact of violent crime in small-town America.
- Joe McMullins’ death highlights the tragic, senseless consequences of drunk driving—and the public’s rejection of flimsy “excuses” like the infamous “high heel defense.”
- Both cases are ongoing; the show promises continued coverage and updates.
Notable Quotes Summary
- Amber’s family:
“Well, I think of her every day and I cried just about every day ... It’s been very difficult.” [01:52]
- Katie Ring (on the brutality of the Spradlin murder):
“Stabbing someone 12 times and slitting their throat doesn’t sound like an accident.” [10:33]
- Katie Ring (on drunk driving):
"I am so tired of people drinking and driving … you are putting innocent lives at risk." [17:51]
- Katie Ring (on Christina Chambers’ excuses):
“Desperate to defend herself, Christina claimed her high heels got stuck on the gas pedal and her lawyer blamed the road … I didn’t buy it. The jury didn’t buy it either.” [19:01]
For Listeners
This episode is both a somber look at justice delayed—and sometimes denied—and a rallying cry against avoidable tragedy. For updates on each case, follow Crime House Daily on all major platforms.
