A Kentucky man accused of kidnapping and killing a mother of three will finally face a jury — nearly eight years after the victim’s body was found on the side of a rural road.
Who Is Accused?
Ryan Crawley, 42, is charged with murder in the death of 39-year-old April Arnett. His trial is scheduled for May 17, 2027, in Kentucky.
What Happened?
Authorities allege that on Aug. 13, 2019, Crawley killed Arnett in Scott County, Kentucky. Her body was allegedly wrapped and stored under his trailer for four days before being dumped.
On Aug. 17, 2019, Kentucky State Police were contacted after a body was discovered off Old Lexington Road in Madison County. An autopsy identified the victim as Arnett. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Others Involved
Four other people, including Crawley’s cousin Ronald Crawley, were accused of helping kidnap Arnett. According to court documents, the group attempted to dump her body over Old Lexington Road after a passing motorist spotted them near Old Clay’s Ferry Bridge.
Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in October 2019 after allegedly fleeing the state.
Previous Guilty Pleas
Both Ryan and Ronald Crawley previously pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and abuse of a corpse in Madison County in 2024. Ryan Crawley was later indicted on the murder charge.
Who Was April Arnett?
April Arnett was a beloved mother of three from Kentucky. Those who knew her remembered her warmth and the love she showed everyone around her.
Her trial — and her story — will return to public attention when proceedings begin in May 2027.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
