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:

1. The ongoing investigation into Amber Spradlin’s 2023 murder in Kentucky, highlighting the delays, suspected cover-up, and emotional impact on her family.
2. 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]

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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]

• 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.

• Medical findings:

  • Amber had 12 stab wounds; knife blade still lodged in her neck.
  • Michael’s early insistence she was murdered raised investigators' suspicions.

• Slow Progress:

  • Case stalled for a year due to DNA lab backlogs.

• 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]

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Chambers’ BAC: 0.30 (4x legal limit), an hour after the crash.

• Police conclusion:

  “It was clear that Christina had acted with extreme recklessness.” [17:06]

• 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

• 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]

• 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.