A Kentucky murder case that has shocked the local community for years is finally moving toward trial. Nearly eight years after the body of a mother of three was found dumped along a roadside, the man accused of kidnapping and killing her is now set to face a jury.
Investigators say the case involves a disturbing cover-up, multiple suspects, and an alleged attempt to hide the victim’s body before it was abandoned in Madison County. For the family of April Arnett, the upcoming trial could finally bring long-awaited answers and justice.
Kentucky Man to Stand Trial in April Arnett Murder Case
Ryan Crawley, 42, is accused of kidnapping and murdering 39-year-old April Arnett in Kentucky.
Crawley has been charged with murder and is now scheduled to stand trial on May 17, 2027.
According to court proceedings, the trial will take place nearly eight years after Arnett’s body was discovered.
The case has drawn significant attention because of the disturbing allegations surrounding the victim’s death and the efforts allegedly made to hide her remains.
April Arnett’s Body Found Along Kentucky Road
On August 17, 2019, at around 9 p.m., Kentucky State Police received a report about a body found off Old Lexington Road in northern Madison County, Kentucky.
Troopers arrived at the scene and later confirmed the victim was April Arnett, a 39-year-old mother of three.
An autopsy was conducted, but authorities have not publicly revealed the exact cause of her death.
That mystery has only added more questions to an already heartbreaking case.
Investigators Believe Killing Happened Days Earlier
According to law enforcement, investigators believe Arnett was killed four days earlier, on August 13, 2019, in Scott County, Kentucky.
Prosecutors allege Ryan Crawley was responsible for her death.
Court documents claim that after the killing, Crawley wrapped Arnett’s body and hid it underneath his trailer.
Authorities say the body remained there temporarily while plans were made to dispose of it.
Multiple People Accused in Alleged Cover-Up
Investigators say Ryan Crawley did not act alone.
According to court records, four other individuals were accused of helping kidnap Arnett before her death.
Among them was Crawley’s cousin, Ronald Crawley.
Authorities later accused the group of helping move and dispose of Arnett’s body in an attempt to hide evidence.
Body Allegedly Wrapped in Tarp With Cinder Blocks
Prosecutors say the suspects wrapped Arnett’s body in a tarp and attached cinder blocks before transporting her remains into Madison County.
Investigators believe the group initially planned to dump the body from Old Clay’s Ferry Bridge.
However, authorities say the plan failed when the wrapped body became stuck on a wire.
At that point, a passing driver reportedly noticed suspicious activity.
Fearing they had been seen, investigators allege the suspects changed plans and dumped Arnett’s body on the side of Old Lexington Road instead.
It was there that her remains were later discovered by authorities.
Other Suspects Already Pleaded Guilty
Court records show that several suspects connected to the case, including members of the Crawley family, pleaded guilty in 2024 to charges including:
- Evidence tampering
- Abuse of a corpse
These guilty pleas came before Ryan Crawley was formally indicted on the murder charge.
Authorities also revealed that Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in October 2019 after allegedly fleeing Kentucky.
Family Remembers April Arnett as Loving Mother
Beyond the court documents and criminal allegations, April Arnett’s family remembers her as a loving mother whose kindness touched everyone around her.
According to her obituary, Arnett was the mother of three children.
Her family shared an emotional message, saying:
“Whenever April was around, you knew that at least one person in the room loved and cared for you more than anything.”
They added that her smile and unconditional love would never be forgotten.
Trial Could Bring Long-Awaited Answers
With Ryan Crawley’s trial now scheduled for May 2027, April Arnett’s loved ones may finally get answers after years of waiting.
The case remains one of Kentucky’s most disturbing homicide investigations, involving alleged kidnapping, murder, attempted concealment, and a multi-state investigation.
While the legal process is far from over, the upcoming trial could mark an important step toward justice for a mother whose life ended far too soon. For her children, family, and friends, the hope now is that the courtroom will finally provide the truth they have been seeking for nearly a decade.
