PIKEVILLE, KY (WMDJ) — Attorneys for the man accused of killing a Floyd County woman are objecting to a proposed delay in his upcoming trial, arguing that their client’s right to a speedy trial should be upheld.

Michael “M.K.” McKinney is charged with the June 2023 murder of Amber Spradlin at his family’s home on Arkansas Creek Road. He, his father, local dentist Dr. Michael McKinney, and family friend Josh Mullins are also charged with eight counts of tampering with physical evidence.

The trial is scheduled to begin December 1, but prosecutors recently asked for a continuance, citing pending DNA analysis that will not be complete before that date. Defense attorney Steven Romines filed an objection Friday, saying the Commonwealth already claimed to have sufficient evidence when McKinney was indicted, arrested, and held on a $5 million bond.

The defense filing also argues that any additional delay would be unfair to the defendant while he remains in custody. Both sides are expected to appear in Pike Circuit Court on Thursday for a pretrial hearing to discuss this motion, the bond reduction motion, and the Commonwealth's motion of continuance.