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A man from Kentucky is poised to face trial next year following accusations that he kidnapped and murdered a woman, concealed her body beneath his trailer, and later abandoned it by a roadside seven years ago, authorities report.
Ryan “Todd” Crawley is scheduled to appear in court from May 17 to 28 next year, in connection with the 2019 murder of April Arnett, as confirmed by the Scott County Circuit Court, according to WKYT.
Earlier this year, Crawley was indicted on charges of murder, kidnapping, and evidence tampering. He has entered a not guilty plea to the murder and kidnapping charges, although he previously admitted guilt to tampering with evidence and abusing a corpse.
The trial for Ryan “Todd” Crawley is slated for May 17-28 of the coming year. (Kentucky Department of Corrections)
While Crawley maintains his innocence regarding the murder and kidnapping allegations, his legal team contends that the seven-year delay in bringing these new charges to court casts doubt on the case. Court records suggest that Crawley played a role in Arnett’s abduction and subsequent murder.
His lawyers, who have sought to maintain their client’s innocence on the more serious charges, have highlighted that the murder and kidnapping charges were filed nearly seven years after the 2019 incident.
On Aug. 17, 2019, at about 9 p.m., Kentucky State Police were notified about a body later identified as Arnett that was found off KY Highway 2328, also known as Old Lexington Road, in Madison County.
Police say the discovery was made four days after Arnett’s alleged death in Scott County.
April Arnett was kidnapped and killed in Kentucky in 2019. (Kerr Brothers Funeral Home)
Crawley allegedly wrapped up Arnett’s body before storing it under his trailer, court documents say, according to WLEX.
Four other people, including the defendant’s cousin Ronald Crawley, were charged with helping kidnap Arnett.
Authorities said the two Crawleys drove into Madison County over the Old Clays Ferry Bridge with Arnett’s body wrapped in a tarp with cinder blocks attached. The pair attempted to toss her body into the water, but it became stuck on a guy wire, at which point the men put Arnett’s body back into the vehicle and dumped it off the side of the road, where she was ultimately found.
Old Clays Ferry Iron Bridge, where the two Crawleys attempted to toss the body into the water. (Google Maps)
Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in 2019 after allegedly fleeing to the state.
Arnett was a mother of three, according to her obituary, which said she “will forever be known for her big heart and infectious smile.”
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