A man from Kentucky is slated to face trial next year for allegedly kidnapping and murdering a woman, then concealing her body beneath his trailer before discarding it by a roadside seven years ago, authorities report.
Ryan “Todd” Crawley is scheduled for trial from May 17 to May 28 next year, regarding the 2019 case involving the death of April Arnett, according to the Scott County Circuit Court, as reported by WKYT.
Earlier this year, Crawley was indicted on charges of murder, kidnapping, and evidence tampering. While he has entered a not guilty plea for the murder and kidnapping charges, he previously admitted guilt to evidence tampering and corpse abuse.
The trial, set between May 17 and 28, will address the serious allegations against Crawley. (Kentucky Department of Corrections)
Although Crawley maintains his innocence regarding the murder and kidnapping allegations, his legal team contends that the delay of nearly seven years before these charges were filed raises important questions about the case. The court documents assert Crawley’s involvement in both Arnett’s kidnapping and death.
His defense team continues to challenge the legitimacy of these severe accusations, emphasizing the significant lapse in time between the 2019 incident and the subsequent charges.
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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