Powell County, KY, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Brian Epperson has been indicted by the Powell County Grand Jury on numerous serious charges, including murder and drug possession. He is linked to the deaths of at least three women, raising concerns in the community. In related cases, David O’Hara and James S. Bergman are also facing murder charges. The prevalence of drug-related violence in the area highlights ongoing issues surrounding substance abuse.
Kentucky Man Indicted for Multiple Murders and Drug Charges
POWELL COUNTY, KY – Brian Epperson has been indicted by the Powell County Grand Jury on several serious charges, including murder, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and tampering with physical evidence. Epperson’s indictment is connected to the deaths of at least three women, raising significant concern among local communities.
The case against Epperson began with the death of 32-year-old Kristen Morris, who was found dead at an Airbnb in May due to an apparent drug overdose. Authorities have charged Epperson in connection with her death. Shortly after, on June 27, Reachel Dawson was found dead in a room at the Red Roof Inn in Winchester, and investigators believe Epperson is also linked to her passing.
Authorities suspect that Epperson is connected to another case involving a woman found dead from an overdose at a Fayette County hotel in November 2024. In addition to these murder charges, Epperson is facing a separate charge of video voyeurism, which raises further concerns about his conduct.
Epperson is scheduled for arraignment in Powell County Circuit Court on September 3, where he will face multiple charges stemming from these cases.
In a related case, David O’Hara, 54, has also been indicted for the murder of 53-year-old Donna Gibson, whose body was discovered on August 3 in Pendleton County. O’Hara faces charges including murder, tampering with evidence, and being a persistent felony offender in the second degree. The investigation into Gibson’s death began when O’Hara reported finding her deceased at his residence on Old 3L Highway.
O’Hara was arrested on unrelated warrants the same evening and booked into the Grant County Detention Center. He had a long-standing friendship with Gibson, who was reportedly staying with him at the time of her death. Court documents suggest that a dispute involving Gibson’s ex-husband, John Gibson, may have contributed to her murder.
O’Hara is also battling additional charges, including assault, resisting arrest, and terroristic threatening. His bail for the assault-related charges is set at $25,000, while a $1 million bond has been issued for his murder charge. O’Hara is also set to appear in court on September 3.
Meanwhile, James S. Bergman, 24, has been arrested for the murder of 40-year-old James D. Carmack, whose body was discovered in May inside a vehicle in McKee, Kentucky. Bergman faces multiple charges, including murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. He has been taken to the Three Forks Regional Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Overview of Recent Indictments
| Name | Charges | Date of Incident | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Epperson | Murder, possession of methamphetamine, tampering with evidence | Kristen Morris – May; Reachel Dawson – June | Connected to at least three women’s deaths, facing a separate voyeurism charge |
| David O’Hara | Murder, tampering with evidence, persistent felony offender | Donna Gibson – August 3 | Had a friendship with victim, potential motive involving ex-husband |
| James S. Bergman | Murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence | James D. Carmack – May | Body found in a vehicle in McKee |
Background Context
The recent indictments and investigations into these murder cases have raised significant concern in the Powell County area and beyond, as local authorities grapple with the implications of drug use and violence within the community. The frequency of tragic incidents involving drug overdoses and related violence reflects broader challenges around substance abuse and crime in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Brian Epperson faced?
Brian Epperson has been indicted for murder, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and tampering with physical evidence.
What is the connection between Epperson and the deaths of three women?
Epperson is connected to the deaths of Kristen Morris and Reachel Dawson. Authorities believe he is also linked to a third woman who died from an overdose in November 2024.
What other incidents are involved in these investigations?
In a separate case, David O’Hara has been indicted for the murder of Donna Gibson, while James S. Bergman has been arrested for the murder of James D. Carmack.
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Additional Resources
- Lex18 News
- Google Search: Brian Epperson murder Kentucky
- WKYT News
- Wikipedia: Criminal justice in the United States
- WCPO News
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