Kentucky Man Arrested After Police Find Partner Dead With Gunshot Wounds

MCCREARY COUNTY, KY — A Kentucky man has been charged with murder after police discovered his partner’s decomposed body inside their home in Stearns. Authorities say the victim had apparent gunshot wounds to the head.
Discovery of the Body
The investigation began on September 9, when Damion Poole’s mother reported him missing to the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office. Police obtained a search warrant for the home Poole shared with his partner, 39-year-old Daniel Kearney.
When investigators searched the residence, they found a body believed to be Poole’s in a back room, covered with blankets and fabric. According to the Kentucky State Police citation, the body showed significant decomposition and had two gunshot wounds to the head.
Authorities believe the body had been inside the home “for an extended period of time” due to the level of decay.
Charges Against Daniel Kearney
Kearney was arrested on September 12 and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Second-degree cruelty to animals
Investigators revealed that two dogs belonging to Poole had been shot and killed, allegedly by Kearney. The animals were still at the residence when discovered.
Troubled Relationship and Witness Accounts
According to the citation, Kearney and Poole had recently moved to Kentucky from Colorado and had a long history together. Neighbors reported frequent loud and heated arguments, and some said they heard gunshots during one confrontation weeks earlier.
One witness described Kearney as “very aggressive and violent” and a “powder keg” who often lost his temper. The witness stated he last saw Poole in July or early August.
Evidence of a Cover-Up
Investigators also uncovered what appeared to be a “checklist” notebook in Kearney’s camper. The list included steps such as cleaning up the home, disposing of evidence, painting everything with Kilz primer, and getting rid of the body.
This discovery suggested to authorities that Kearney had been planning to conceal the crime.
Kearney remains in custody as the case continues. The charges highlight a disturbing case of domestic violence, alleged cover-up attempts, and the tragic death of Damion Poole.
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