Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime - Episode: Amber Spradlin // 513
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime by Dark West Productions
Introduction
In Episode 513 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the perplexing and tragic case of Amber Spradlin, a 38-year-old woman whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder shocked the small community of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Presented with a blend of thorough investigation and compassionate storytelling, the hosts guide listeners through the intricate details of the case, highlighting failures in law enforcement and the relentless pursuit of justice by Amber's family.
Background of Amber Spradlin
Amber Spradlin was born on October 7, 1984, to Sharon and John Thomas (Tom) in Prestonsburg, Kentucky—a close-knit city nestled in the Appalachian foothills. Amber's upbringing was marred by early tragedies; at just four years old, she lost her mother in a peculiar accident at the Wildcat Lounge, a local bar. This event profoundly impacted Amber, fostering resilience but also contributing to her ongoing struggles with anxiety and mental health issues throughout her youth.
Despite these challenges, Amber demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. She served as a full-time caregiver for her grandparents, Margie and James, after her father's sudden death in April 2007. In 2022, following her grandparents' passing, Amber purchased a home in Prestonsburg, striving to maintain a structured and fulfilling life. She found joy and stability working part-time as a hostess at the Brick House restaurant, a role that allowed her to engage with the community and build meaningful relationships.
Notable Quote:
Daphne notes, "Amber maintained a very strict daily schedule, which included plenty of time with her friends and her two cats, Sadie and Twinkles."
Timestamp: [07:38]
The Night of Disappearance and Murder
On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Amber was working her closing shift at the Brick House. That evening, she made plans with a friend named Roy Kidd to visit Seasons Inn, a restaurant attached to a nearby motel. Accompanied by Michael McKinney, a respected local dentist, his son MK (Michael McKinney III), and family friend Josh Mullins, the group settled into a late-night gathering.
As the night progressed, the group remained at Michael's home until the early hours of the morning. Witnesses later reported that MK was heavily intoxicated, consuming between 10 to 14 drinks that night.
Notable Quote:
Heath remarks, "Hope we see you guys there. It is gonna be a fucking blast."
Timestamp: [02:56]
Investigation and Police Response
Around 5 to 5:30 AM, an unidentified individual placed a 911 call reporting an injured, bleeding man at Michael's residence. Roy, visibly intoxicated, later explained his difficulties that night, stating he had fallen multiple times and attempted to manage his injuries before heading to bed.
Michael responded to the 911 call by describing a minor cut and dismissing the need for police intervention, effectively preventing immediate law enforcement response.
Notable Quote:
Daphne highlights Debbie, Amber's cousin, stating, "The phone call was not about Amber and it was not made by Amber, but it was still information in that phone call that I feel like had it been anywhere else there would have been a response."
Timestamp: [22:18]
Several hours later, at approximately 10:30 AM, Michael made a second 911 call reporting Amber's death. Police arrived to discover Amber stabbed eleven times, with no evidence of sexual assault, leaving the motive unclear amidst a clustering of potential suspects present during the initial gathering.
Notable Quote:
Heath summarizes Amber's autopsy, "38-year-old Amber Spradlin had been stabbed 11 times in the torso, head, and neck, and had lost a significant amount of blood."
Timestamp: [44:16]
Family's Fight for Justice
Amber's family, led by her cousin Debbie Hall, took immediate action to seek justice. They launched a Facebook group, organized billboard campaigns, and filed a civil lawsuit against multiple parties, including the Prestonsburg Police Department and prominent community members implicated in the mishandling of the case.
The lawsuit primarily centers on the county's decision to transfer 911 dispatch services from the Kentucky State Police to the under-resourced Prestonsburg Police Department, which lacked adequate coverage during critical early morning hours. This systemic failure allegedly contributed to the delayed police response, potentially allowing the perpetrators ample time to cover their tracks.
Notable Quote:
Daphne emphasizes the gravity of the police department's inadequacies, "even if Michael didn't get on the phone and say, hey, actually everything's fine, if that didn't happen, somebody from a different area would have had to be dispatched and it would have taken a long time anyway."
Timestamp: [35:15]
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Over a year after Amber's murder, significant breakthroughs occurred. On July 30, 2024, three individuals were arrested in connection with the case:
- MK McKinney (23): Charged with murder and seven counts of evidence tampering.
- Josh Mullins (23): Charged with seven counts of evidence tampering.
- Michael McKinney (55): Charged with seven counts of evidence tampering.
The arrest indictments revealed that MK allegedly murdered Amber for unknown reasons and, along with Michael and Josh, attempted to obscure the crime scene by disposing of evidence and planting a misleading knife. DNA analysis further implicated MK and Michael, as Amber's DNA was found under their fingernails, suggesting a violent struggle.
Notable Quote:
Daphne outlines the extent of the cleanup efforts, "MK Was seen with scratches on his arm, which were believed to be wounds from Amber fighting back."
Timestamp: [44:16]
MK was held on a $5 million bond, the highest among the defendants, reflecting the severity of the charges and the court's concern over potential flight risk or danger to the community.
Notable Quote:
Heath discusses the legal strategy, "the courts agreed with you because they were like, yeah, we're not doing that. We're not going to let him out on house arrest. He's gonna be in jail until his trial."
Timestamp: [46:32]
Hosts' Analysis and Conclusion
Daphne and Heath critically examine the lapses in the investigation, particularly the influence of Michael McKinney's status in the community and his relationship with the then-chief of police, Randy Woods. They highlight the suspicious timing of Woods' resignation shortly after Amber's murder and question whether prior events, such as the tragic death of three officers in a related standoff, influenced the handling of Amber's case.
The hosts express skepticism about the integrity of the investigation, citing the delayed arrests and the intricate efforts to destroy evidence as indicative of deeper corruption and systemic issues within the local law enforcement.
Notable Quote:
Heath asserts, "Because of that almost very real game of clue going on in the house, it is hard to know who was involved and who wasn't."
Timestamp: [33:15]
Daphne adds, "It was very clear that by this point, she was deceased. So nobody's trying to revive her because there was, like, dried blood."
Timestamp: [33:15]
Upcoming Developments and Final Thoughts
As Daphne and Heath wrap up the episode, they anticipate upcoming trials and express hope that Amber's family will finally receive the justice they seek. They commit to providing updates as new information emerges, ensuring that Amber Spradlin's story remains in the public consciousness.
Notable Quote:
Teeth (Roy) states, "And hopefully Amber's friends and family will get the justice that they deserve."
Timestamp: [51:56]
The hosts also promote their upcoming tour, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast community through live events scheduled in major cities.
Conclusion
Episode 513 of Going West: True Crime offers a compelling and comprehensive examination of Amber Spradlin's tragic murder. Through meticulous research and empathetic narration, Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman shed light on the complexities of the case, the failures of local law enforcement, and the unwavering determination of a family seeking justice. This episode underscores the broader issues of systemic corruption and the profound impact of violent crime on small communities.
For more updates and detailed photos related to Amber Spradlin's case, visit Going West Podcast’s social media and stay tuned for upcoming episodes.