Kentucky Man Accused of Killing Partner, Leaving Behind To-Do List to Cover Up Crime
STEARNS, KENTUCKY — A 39-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his partner after investigators say they discovered a chilling to-do list outlining steps to hide the crime.
Daniel Kearney was arrested on September 12 and charged in the killing of 36-year-old Damian Poole, who was found dead inside the couple’s camper home in Stearns, near the Kentucky–Tennessee border.
Missing Person Report Leads to Discovery
Court documents obtained by WKYT and FOX 56 show that Poole’s mother first reported him missing to the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office on September 9.
Three days later, state troopers searched the camper shared by Kearney and Poole, where they found what they believe to be Poole’s body.
Investigators said Poole’s remains were discovered under several blankets in a back room of the camper. He had sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and appeared to have been dead for several days.
Disturbing Evidence at the Scene
Troopers reported that Poole’s ankles were bound with nylon rope, and evidence suggested the body had been moved.
Two dogs were also found dead inside the camper, believed to have been shot and left where they fell.
Officers uncovered multiple pools of blood, bullet holes, an AR-style rifle, and other firearms at the scene.
Among the most disturbing pieces of evidence was a handwritten to-do list, allegedly authored by Kearney. The list included reminders to clean up, burn items, use odor sealant to mask bloodstains, dispose of Poole’s body, and even spread ashes in other states.
Neighbors Describe Troubled Relationship
According to neighbors interviewed by police, Kearney and Poole frequently argued, and gunshots were sometimes heard from their residence.
When questioned about Poole’s absence before the discovery, Kearney allegedly told neighbors that Poole had “moved to another state in the middle of the night.”
Witnesses described Kearney as “aggressive,” “violent,” and a “powder keg.”
Charges and Court Proceedings
Kearney is charged with:
- Murder
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Second-degree cruelty to animals
He is being held at the Knox County Detention Center on a $1 million bond and is scheduled for arraignment on September 18.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the unusual discovery of the to-do list and the disturbing details surrounding the crime. For continued updates on Kentucky investigations and community safety, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.