Lexington, October 19, 2025

News Summary

Brian Epperson from Lexington has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing methamphetamine linked to the deaths of two individuals from overdoses. Victims Reacheal Dawson and Kristen Morris suffered fatal overdoses, with alarming toxicology reports. Epperson faces a possible life sentence if convicted, and he is under investigation for a third overdose as the community grapples with the increasing methamphetamine-related fatalities.

Lexington

Brian Epperson, a 44-year-old man from Lexington, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing methamphetamine linked to the deaths of two individuals from fatal overdoses. The indictment follows a grand jury session held in the United States District Court, emphasizing the severity of the drug-related issues facing the region.

The indictment is a result of the tragic deaths of Reacheal Dawson from Clark County and Kristen Morris from Powell County. Dawson was discovered dead at a Red Roof Inn in Winchester on June 26, 2024, with a toxicology report indicating a staggering 14,000 nanograms per milliliter of methamphetamine in her system. In a similarly heartbreaking case, 32-year-old Morris was found deceased from an apparent overdose at an Airbnb in Stanton, where her toxicology report indicated a concentration of 57,000 nanograms per milliliter of methamphetamine.

In addition to the charges stemming from these two fatalities, Epperson is also under investigation for a third overdose death. Hilory Davis, who succumbed to a methamphetamine overdose of 72,000 nanograms on November 7, 2024, at a Lexington hotel, is believed to be linked to Epperson’s actions. This wider investigation includes the Kentucky State Police wanting to explore Epperson’s possible connections to other fatalities from methamphetamine overdoses.

If convicted of the federal charges, Epperson faces the possibility of a life sentence in prison. The evidence leading to his indictment is reported to have been gathered through a detailed and extensive investigation carried out over several months. Additionally, Epperson was previously charged at the state level in Powell County with murder, possession of methamphetamine, and tampering with physical evidence in connection with Kristen Morris’ death.

At present, Epperson is detained at the Clark County Detention Center and has been transferred into federal custody due to the charges he now faces. Family members of the victims have expressed a range of emotions about the indictment and the ongoing investigation. Kaye Dawson, the sister of Reacheal Dawson, highlighted the personal trauma experienced from her sister’s passing and the ongoing struggles her family faces without her. She has suggested that severe punishments should be warranted for Epperson given the multiple victims associated with his actions, indicating that the death penalty would be justified in this case.

The shocking nature of these overdoses has raised a significant alarm within the community and among local authorities. The increase in methamphetamine-related fatalities underscores the ongoing opioid crisis affecting many regions across the United States. It emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced intervention strategies and support systems for those at risk of substance abuse.

The outcomes of Epperson’s case and the broader implications for addressing methamphetamine distribution and its deadly consequences remain a critical concern for Lexington and surrounding areas.

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HERE Resources

Kentucky Man Indicted for Multiple Murders and Drug Charges
Gang Activity Linked to Homicides in Lexington, KY

Additional Resources

• WKYT: Woman details friend’s relationship with Epperson before fatal overdose
• Wikipedia: Opioid crisis
• WTVQ: Powell County man indicted federally in multiple overdose deaths across central Kentucky
• Google Search: Drug overdose statistics Kentucky
• Kentucky.com: Local crime news
• Google Scholar: Drug overdose death causes
• SC Daily Gazette: SC overdose deaths are down but new drugs are more fatal, officials say
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance abuse
• LEX18: She left a huge hole in many people’s lives: Close friend details life of alleged murder victim
• Google News: Kentucky drug overdose news

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.