- Ryan Crawley is accused of kidnapping and murdering April Arnett, a mother of three, in 2019.
- Crawley's trial is set for May 17-28, 2027, nearly eight years after the crime.
- Authorities found Arnett's body hidden under Crawley's trailer and later discarded along Old Lexington Road.
RICHMOND, KENTUCKY — Less than a week after 2 US Bank employees were fatally shot in a robbery in Berea, another disturbing Kentucky case is drawing renewed attention as a man accused of kidnapping and killing a mother of three prepares to face trial. Authorities say 42-year-old Ryan “Todd” Crawley allegedly killed 39-year-old April Arnett, hid her body under his trailer, and later dumped her remains along the side of a road.
Crawley is scheduled to stand trial from May 17 to May 28, 2027, in connection with Arnett’s 2019 death. He has been charged with murder, kidnapping, and evidence tampering. The trial date comes nearly 8 years after Arnett’s body was discovered in Madison County.
The Discovery of April Arnett’s Body
On August 17, 2019, around 9 p.m., Kentucky State Police were contacted after a body was found off Old Lexington Road, also known as KY Highway 2328, in northern Madison County. Authorities later identified the victim as April Arnett.
Investigators believe Arnett had been killed 4 days earlier, on August 13, 2019, in Scott County. The exact manner of her death has not been publicly clarified.
Court documents reportedly allege that Crawley wrapped Arnett’s body and stored it under his trailer before attempting to dispose of her remains. Four other people, including Crawley’s cousin, Ronald Crawley, were also accused of helping kidnap Arnett.
Alleged Attempt to Dump the Body
Authorities say Ryan Crawley and Ronald Crawley drove Arnett’s wrapped body into Madison County. Her remains were reportedly placed inside a tarp with cinder blocks attached.
The men allegedly attempted to throw her body from the Old Clays Ferry Bridge. However, the body became caught on a wire, and a passing motorist reportedly saw them. Investigators say the men then placed Arnett’s body back into the vehicle before dumping it along Old Lexington Road, where it was later discovered.
Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in October 2019 after allegedly fleeing the state.
Charges and Trial
Ryan Crawley has pleaded not guilty to the murder and kidnapping charges. Those charges remain pending.
He had previously pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and abuse of a corpse in Madison County in 2024 before he was later indicted on the more serious charges. His attorneys have argued that the timing of the murder and kidnapping charges, filed nearly 7 years after Arnett’s death, raises questions about the case.
Despite those arguments, prosecutors allege Crawley was involved in Arnett’s kidnapping and killing.
Crawley’s trial is now scheduled for May 2027.
Remembering April Arnett
Arnett was a mother of three. Her obituary remembered her for her kindness, warmth, and love for those around her.
“Whenever April was around, you knew that at least one person in the room loved and cared for you more than anything,” her obituary stated. “That smile and special love will never fade from our memory, but will be missed by so many.”
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