The Murder of Amanda Riley | Ohio County, Kentucky

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we travel to Ohio County to examine the 2016 murder of Amanda Riley.

What began as concern over a missing woman quickly escalated into a homicide investigation involving cellphone evidence, witness statements, forensic evidence, and years of courtroom battles.

Investigators eventually focused on Donald Lynch, who was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. But even after conviction, the legal fight continued through appeals and post-conviction filings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ohio County and the Peabody Wildlife Management Area
• Amanda Riley’s background and community ties
• The timeline leading to the discovery of her body
• The investigation and evidence
• Trial testimony and prosecution arguments
• The conviction and sentencing
• Appeals and legal challenges
• The impact the case had on a rural Kentucky community

Listener Warning

This episode contains discussion of:

• homicide
• violence against women
• drug use
• sexual assault allegations and testimony
• graphic forensic details
• abuse of a corpse
• strong language

Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Sources

County & Background Information

• Ohio County Fiscal Court
• Ohio County, Kentucky historical and census data
• Peabody Wildlife Management Area information

Victim Information

• Amanda Riley obituary via Tucker Funeral Home
• Family statements and media interviews

News Coverage

• 14 News
• KFVS12
• TriStateHomepage

Court Records & Legal Documents

• Kentucky Supreme Court opinion
• Kentucky Court of Appeals opinion
• Federal court filings
• CaseMine legal summaries

About the Show

Buried in the Bluegrass is part of the OGM Podcast Network from Ole Gerg Media LLC.

The show explores murders, disappearances, corruption, and unresolved mysteries from across Kentucky — combining court records, public documents, local reporting, and community history to tell the stories buried beneath the surface of the Bluegrass State.

Cult of the Unknown Tongues — Episode Notes

Buried in the Bluegrass — Episode 7 An Ole Gerg Media / OGM Podcast Network Production

In this episode, Greg examines one of the strangest and most disturbing religious crime stories in Kentucky history — the 1933 “Cult of the Unknown Tongues” case from Tomahawk in Martin County, Kentucky.

What began as a Pentecostal-style religious revival reportedly spiraled into hysteria, fear, alleged demonic possession, and ultimately the death of 72-year-old Lucinda Mills. Newspapers across the country sensationalized the story as a “human sacrifice,” helping create one of the most infamous Appalachian cult legends ever reported.

This episode explores:

• The isolated religious culture of eastern Kentucky in the 1930s
• The week-long revival tied to the Mills family
• Reports of speaking in tongues and spiritual possession
• The death of Lucinda Mills
• Arrests and media coverage following the incident
• How Appalachian communities were often sensationalized by national media
• Themes of group hysteria, manipulation, and religious extremism
• Analysis connected to Tongues of Deception by Harry H. Reed

⚠️ Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussion of violence, alleged abuse, coercive religious practices, and disturbing historical events.

Sources

• Tongues of Deception — Harry H. Reed
• Contemporary newspaper archives covering the 1933 Tomahawk, Kentucky case
• Historical reporting on the “Cult of the Unknown Tongues” / Mills Family case
• Martin County, Kentucky historical references and archived regional reporting
• Appalachian religious history resources regarding Pentecostal revival movements in the early 20th century

🎙️ Buried in the Bluegrass covers Kentucky true crime, corruption, folklore, mysteries, and the stories still haunting the Commonwealth.

#BuriedInTheBluegrass #TrueCrime #Kentucky #Cult #MartinCounty #Appalachia #OGMPodcastNetwork #Religion #SpeakingInTongues #KentuckyHistory

Calloway County: A Fire to Cover Murder

On November 17, 2015, what appeared to be a tragic house fire in rural Calloway County, Kentucky quickly turned into one of the most disturbing murder cases in western Kentucky history.

When firefighters responded to a burning home along KY-121 South near Murray, they discovered the bodies of a young family of four inside. But as investigators dug deeper, it became clear the fire wasn’t the cause of death—it was meant to hide it.

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we break down the brutal killings, the family connection behind the suspect, and how a calculated attempt to destroy evidence ultimately failed.

🧾 CASE DETAILS

Date: November 17, 2015 Location: KY-121 South, Calloway County, KY

Victims:

• Bulmaro Arellano, 29
• Marisol Hernandez, 24
• 5-year-old son
• 18-month-old daughter

Key Findings:

• Fire was intentionally set to conceal the crime
• Adult victims died from gunshot wounds
• Children died from smoke inhalation
• The 5-year-old also suffered a fatal throat wound

🚔 INVESTIGATION

Kentucky State Police quickly determined the fire was suspicious and began a homicide investigation.

Within days, attention turned to:

Pascasio Pacheco (aka Pacheco Arellano)

• Age 21 at the time
• From Mayfield, Kentucky
• Nephew of victim Bulmaro Arellano

Evidence included:

• Visible injuries consistent with a struggle
• Blood-stained clothing
• Physical evidence recovered from a vehicle

Pacheco was arrested on November 23, 2015.

⚖️ LEGAL OUTCOME

• Charged with:
  • 4 counts of murder
  • First-degree arson
  • First-degree burglary
  • Tampering with physical evidence
• December 2018: Entered guilty plea to avoid the death penalty
• February 2019: Sentenced to life in prison without parole

This case was notable as it was considered one of the first potential death penalty prosecutions in Calloway County in nearly 100 years.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE

• The timeline of the fire and discovery
• How investigators determined it was staged
• The family connection that changed the case
• The disturbing details revealed during autopsy
• The suspect’s mindset and reported assumptions
• How the case was resolved in court

🔗 SOURCES

• WPSD Local 6 – Coverage of the fire and investigation
• WKMS – Reporting on suspect background and statements
• West Kentucky Star – Court proceedings and sentencing
• Kentucky State Police – Official investigation details

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING

This episode contains discussion of:

• Violent homicide
• Crimes involving children
• Graphic investigative details

Listener discretion is advised.

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW

Buried in the Bluegrass is part of Ole Gerg Media, covering real crimes, real cases, and real accountability across Kentucky.

In October 2013, a 19-year-old man was found murdered beneath a trailer in rural Clinton County, Kentucky.

• Clinton County News http://clintonnews.net/pages/?p=11376
• Lexington Herald-Leader (via Kentucky.com) https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/crime/article44451009.html
• Kentucky State Police — Case reporting and investigation details

🎧 About the Show

Buried in the Bluegrass is a true crime podcast focused on real cases from across Kentucky—highlighting local stories, investigations, and the details that don’t always make headlines.

Produced by Ole Gerg Media LLC.

🎙️ Episode 4: The Night She Vanished

The Murder of Gabbi Doolin – Allen County, Kentucky

On November 14, 2015, 7-year-old Gabbi Doolin disappeared during a community football game in Scottsville, Kentucky. What began as a normal night for families quickly turned into a nightmare.

Within minutes, a search began. Soon after, Gabbi was found behind the bleachers—murdered.

The case shocked Allen County and the entire state. But as investigators worked to identify who was responsible, disturbing questions surfaced about missed warning signs and how something like this could happen in a place meant to be safe.

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we break down the timeline, the investigation, and the conviction of the man responsible.

🧩 Episode Breakdown

⏱️ Timeline of Events

• November 14, 2015 – Gabby attends a youth football game at Allen County-Scottsville High School
• She is last seen near the bleachers
• Reported missing during the event
• Found shortly after behind the bleachers

🚨 Investigation

• Kentucky State Police lead the investigation
• Evidence collected at the scene, including DNA
• Community-wide shock and rapid media attention

👤 Suspect Identified

• Timothy Madden identified through DNA evidence
• Previously known in the community
• Arrested within days of the murder

⚖️ Trial & Conviction

• Trial held in 2018
• Jury hears forensic and DNA evidence
• Madden convicted of:
  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Sodomy
• Sentenced to life in prison without parole

💔 Impact

• Case raised concerns about safety at public events
• Lasting trauma for the Allen County community
• Ongoing remembrance of Gabbi Doolin

📚 Sources

• Kentucky State Police case information (public statements & releases)
• WBKO coverage of arrest and trial
• WNKY reporting on investigation and conviction
• Lexington Herald-Leader trial coverage and sentencing details
• Associated Press regional reporting on conviction
• WDRB coverage of case developments
• Court records from Allen County Circuit Court (Commonwealth v. Timothy Madden)

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode discusses crimes involving a child, including violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.

On Memorial Day weekend in 2011, a quiet Florence, Kentucky neighborhood became the site of one of Northern Kentucky’s most disturbing unsolved crimes.

William “Bill” Stephenson and his wife Peggy were found murdered inside their condominium on Ridge Edge Court after family members became concerned when the couple failed to appear for church services.

But what investigators discovered inside the home raised more questions than answers.

After the killings, the person responsible remained inside the residence for hours — moving furniture, manipulating items throughout the house, and staging parts of the scene in ways detectives described as deeply unusual.

Despite the brutality and the bizarre crime scene, investigators recovered something crucial: DNA.

That genetic profile was entered into the FBI’s CODIS database in 2012 and continues to be searched today.

More than a decade later, the case remains unsolved.

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we examine:

• The lives of Bill and Peggy Stephenson • The strange and disturbing crime scene investigators encountered • The multi-state investigation that followed • The DNA evidence that detectives believe could solve the case • The involvement of the Vidocq Society and behavioral analysts • And what newly obtained public records reveal about the current status of the investigation

This episode is based on reporting, public records, and documents obtained through the Kentucky Open Records Act.

If you have information about this case, contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 859-334-8496.

Case Information

Victims: William “Bill” Stephenson (74) Peggy Stephenson (74)

Location: Florence, Kentucky

Date of Crime: May 29, 2011

Status: Unsolved – Assigned to Boone County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit

Sources

Boone County Sheriff’s Office Open Records Release – Stephenson Investigation (March 2, 2026)

Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory Report

WCPO Cincinnati – I-Team reporting on the Stephenson case

NKyTribune reporting on the investigation

Boone County Sheriff’s Office press releases and case summaries

Vidocq Society documentation related to the 2012 case consultation

Podcast Information

Buried in the Bluegrass Investigating Kentucky’s cold cases, unsolved crimes, and forgotten stories.

Produced by Ole Gerg Media

Sources & Methodology Note

This episode is based on a comprehensive review of official records and primary-source documentation related to the disappearance of Kevin Lee Jackson.

Sources reviewed include, but are not limited to:

• Frankfort Police Department incident reports and supplements
• Initial Missing Persons Report and CAD / call sheets
• Search warrants, affidavits, and seizure returns (served and unserved)
• Consent-to-search forms and Miranda warning documentation
• Kentucky State Police call logs and records
• Financial, digital, and social media subpoena returns
• DNA submission and confirmation records (NamUs / UNTCHI / CODIS)
• Family-provided documentation and correspondence
• Court and custody-related records referenced in law enforcement files
• Jessica Anne YouTube Video https://youtu.be/s7RH_em3JL8?si=sR02SaEvOAlo1bH4
• Murder Police Podcast https://youtu.be/UuAAPUKl9L4?si=K9OWoi_sJ0zfqsho

All dates, locations, and procedural descriptions are drawn directly from these records unless otherwise stated.

Important Clarifications

• No individual has been charged or convicted in connection with this case.
• Statements attributed to witnesses or third parties are clearly identified as reported, hearsay, or unverified, consistent with how they are labeled in police records.
• Allegations contained in affidavits or tips are presented for context only and not as established fact.
• Where records conflict or contain gaps, those discrepancies are noted rather than resolved through speculation.

Editorial Standards

This episode intentionally avoids:

• Naming uncharged individuals as suspects
• Repeating graphic or sensational allegations
• Inferring motive where none has been established
• Treating rumor as evidence

The goal is accuracy, transparency, and accountability—not conclusions unsupported by proof.

Ongoing Case

Kevin Lee Jackson remains missing. Relevant records indicate the case is administratively inactive but not closed. DNA reference samples remain on file for ongoing comparison against unidentified remains.

Tip Information

Anyone with firsthand information related to Kevin Lee Jackson’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. This podcast does not collect tips directly.

Buried in the Bluegrass — Episode 1

Linda Marie Rutledge: Solved After 27 Years

On a November morning in 1998, Lexington firefighters responded to what appeared to be a routine business fire. Inside the Nixon Hearing Aid Center, they discovered a woman dead in a hallway.

Her name was Linda Marie Rutledge.

For nearly three decades, her murder remained unsolved. There were no arrests, no public suspects, and very little information released. But the case was never closed.

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we examine how evidence preserved for 27 years—one shell casing and one DNA profile—eventually connected Linda’s murder to a violent offender in another state. Using modern forensic science, investigators finally identified the person responsible, long after he had died.

This episode is not about sensationalism. It’s about patience, persistence, and what “solved” really means when justice comes too late for a courtroom.

In This Episode

• The 1998 fire that led to a homicide investigation
• How Linda Rutledge’s case quietly stayed open for decades
• The role of modern ballistics and DNA analysis
• How two crimes, decades apart and states away, were connected
• What closure looks like when there is no arrest

Case Details

• Victim: Linda Marie Rutledge, age 43
• Location: Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
• Date: November 7, 1998
• Status: Solved in 2025 (suspect deceased)

Sources & Reporting

This episode was researched using publicly available records and official statements from:

• Lexington Police Department
• Kentucky State Police
• Forensic and ballistic evidence summaries released by law enforcement

No speculation or unofficial theories were used.

About the Show

Buried in the Bluegrass is an independent investigative podcast focused on Kentucky cases involving missing persons, unsolved homicides, and long-silent investigations. Each episode is built on verified facts, public records, and accountability—not rumors.

Coming Up

In future episodes, we’ll examine cases where that resolution never came—and ask why.

If you have information related to an unsolved Kentucky case, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

New episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts.