A Kentucky man has been charged with the murder of his partner, in a case that has left a quiet community near the Tennessee border stunned. According to reports from WKYT and FOX 56, 39-year-old Daniel Kearney was arrested on Friday, September 12, after Kentucky State Police (KSP) discovered the body of 36-year-old Damian Poole in the home they shared — a camper located in the town of Stearns.
Authorities believe Kearney not only committed the murder but also wrote a detailed to-do list aimed at covering up the crime.
Missing Person Report Leads to Grim Find
The case began when Poole’s mother reported him missing on Tuesday, September 9, to the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office. Three days later, state troopers arrived at the camper and discovered a body wrapped in several blankets in the back room.
Investigators say Poole had two gunshot wounds to the head and had likely been dead for several days. His ankles were bound with nylon rope, and there was evidence that the body had been moved.
Evidence Found at the Scene
The scene painted a disturbing picture. In addition to Poole’s body, officers found:
Two dogs, believed to have been shot and left where they died
Multiple bullet holes
Pools of blood around the camper
An AR-style rifle and other firearms
A blood-soaked pile of sheets, clothing, and cardboard
But perhaps most disturbing was a handwritten to-do list, allegedly penned by Kearney, detailing steps to hide the murder, including:
“Clean up”
“Get rid of evidence”
“Paint with odor sealant”
“Burn things”
“Spread ashes in other states”
“Dispose of body”
Troubled Relationship and Violent Behavior
Neighbors told investigators that Kearney and Poole often fought, and that gunshots were occasionally heard coming from the camper. When neighbors questioned Kearney about Poole’s sudden absence, he reportedly said Poole had “moved to another state in the middle of the night.”
Witnesses described Kearney as aggressive, violent, and a ‘powder keg’, raising further concerns about the living conditions inside the camper.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Kearney now faces multiple charges:
Murder
Abuse of a corpse
Tampering with physical evidence
Second-degree cruelty to animals
He is being held at the Knox County Detention Center with his bond set at $1 million. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, September 18.
A Reminder About Domestic Violence
This case also serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for 24/7 confidential support.
