PRESTONSBURG, KY (WMDJ) — The upcoming trial for the man accused of murdering Amber Spradlin in 2023 has been delayed to allow time for additional evidence testing.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman granted a request from Floyd Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner to postpone the trial of 25-year-old Michael “MK” McKinney III, who is charged with murder and evidence tampering. Two others, 57-year-old Michael McKinney II and 25-year-old Josh Mullins, are also charged with evidence tampering in the case.

The trial had been scheduled to begin December 1 but will now be replaced with a pretrial hearing. Turner requested the continuance in October after the Kentucky State Police Crime Lab reported that DNA testing was still in progress. The court determined that moving forward without the completed results would limit key evidence needed in the case and that additional time for testing could benefit both the prosecution and defense.

Defense attorneys had previously asked for a speedy trial, stating they were prepared to proceed. Evidence testing is expected to be completed by early 2026.