License suspended for dentist in midst of high-profile murder case

In further developments in a high-profile case we reported on July 31, Michael "M.K.," McKinney III, who is accused of a brutal slaying in eastern Kentucky, was slapped with a steep bond requirement. Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman set M.K. McKinney III's bond at $5 million, a sum he must post to secure his release from jail pending trial. M.K. McKinney III pleaded not guilty to the charge that he fatally stabbed Amber Spradlin in June 2023.

The court also established bonds for other individuals involved in the case, including:

• Michael K. McKinney II, M.K. McKinney III's father and a local dentist, faced a $250,000 cash bond. He allegedly attempted to conceal evidence related to his son's involvement in the murder. McKinney II was released from custody after posting the bond on Thursday, according to a report via the Floyd County Detention Center but is reportedly on house arrest and wearing an ankle monitor.
  
  
• Josh "Square" Mullins, a third man charged in the case, has a bond of $100,000.

Dr. Michael K. McKinney II. Image courtesy of Floyd County Smiles.

A grand jury in Floyd County indicted all three men for their roles in Spradlin's murder. The charges range from complicity to tampering with physical evidence. According to the indictment, the men disposed of the murder weapon's handle, cleaned up blood at the crime scene, discarded M.K. McKinney III's clothing, and tampered with surveillance and computer equipment containing images of the crime.

Prosecutors said in court that the dentist orchestrated the cleanup of bloody clothing, WLEX-TV reported. The investigation revealed (and prosecutors argued) that McKinney II assisted in cleaning up the crime scene and helped his son escape to Morehead, KY, before reporting the homicide to 911.

Prosecutor Brent Turner emphasized the severity of the crime, describing the injuries sustained by Spradlin as indicative of extreme rage. Turner also raised concerns about M.K. McKinney III's history of violent outbursts and mental instability, suggesting there was a flight risk and danger to the public.

Also of note, McKinney II has had his license to practice dentistry temporarily suspended by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. The suspension affects both his Prestonsburg and Minnie locations. McKinney II has 30 days to request a hearing on the suspension, which could take several months to resolve.

"The Kentucky Board of Dentistry hereby orders that your license to practice dentistry in Kentucky be immediately and temporarily suspended for the reasons set forth above as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public for alleged violations of KRS 313.080," the letter said, according to WYMT-TV.

"You may not practice dentistry as that term is defined in KRS 313.010(11) effective upon delivery of this Notice of Immediate Temporary Suspension, unless you hold a current license in good standing issued by the Board," according to the letter.

We will continue to follow developments in this case.