Kentucky man accused of murder set to face trial 7 years after woman’s death
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A Kentucky man will go to trial next year for allegedly kidnapping and killing a woman seven years ago, wrapping her body, hiding it under his trailer and dumping it on the side of the road, according to authorities.
Scott County Circuit Court says Ryan “Todd” Crawley’s trial date has been set for May 17-28 next year in connection with the 2019 death of April Arnett, according to WKYT.
He was indicted earlier this year on charges of: murder, kidnapping and tampering with evidence. Crawley had previously pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges after admitting evidence of tampering and mistreatment of a body.
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Ryan “Todd” Crawley’s trial date is set for May 17-28 of next year. (Kentucky Department of Corrections)
Crawley pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges, and those charges remain pending. His lawyers argued that the timing of the new charges — almost seven years after Arnett’s death — raises questions about the case. Court documents allege Crawley was involved in Arnett’s kidnapping and murder.
His lawyers, who are trying to maintain their clients’ innocence on more serious charges, emphasized that the murder and kidnapping charges were filed nearly seven years after the 2019 incident.
On August 17, 2019, at approximately 9 p.m., Kentucky State Police were notified of a body found off KY Highway 2328, also known as Old Lexington Road, in Madison County, later identified as Arnett.
Police said the discovery was made four days after Arnett’s alleged death in Scott County.
April Arnett was kidnapped and murdered in Kentucky in 2019. (Kerr Brothers Funeral Home)
Crawley allegedly wrapped Arnett’s body before hiding it under his trailer, according to court documents, according to WLEX.
Four other people, including the defendant’s cousin Ronald Crawley, were charged with helping kidnap Arnett.
The two Crawleys drove into Madison County across the Old Clays Ferry Bridge with Arnett’s body wrapped in a tarp with cinder blocks attached, authorities said. The duo attempted to throw his body into the water but it became stuck in a wire rope, at which point the men placed Arnett’s body back into the vehicle and dumped it on the side of the road, where they eventually found him.
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Old Clays Ferry Iron Bridge where two Crawleys tried to throw the body into the water. (Google Maps)
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Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in 2019 after allegedly fleeing to the state.
Arnett was a mother of three and said she “will forever be known for her big heart and infectious smile,” according to her obituary.
