More weigh in on federal indictment of Ky. man charged in overdose deaths

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A federal grand jury indicted Brian Epperson Thursday on two counts of distributing methamphetamine that killed two people.

Reacheal Dawson and Kristen Morris died on separate occasions, but both in rooms police say were rented by Epperson.

Investigators say Epperson may be tied to other deaths.

While Epperson is not facing other charges, a friend of Hilory Davis, a Lexington woman who allegedly dated him, is questioning the circumstances around her death.

Friend questions circumstances of third woman’s death

April Stamper says the day her friend, Hilory Davis, died is forever engrained in her mind.

“November the 7th, of 2024, at the Super 8 Motel on Winchester Road in Lexington. I can even tell you the room number,” Stamper said.

Stamper says the two met a few years ago at a recovery center in Lexington and have been inseparable since.

She adds they had just seen each other days prior to Davis’ death.

“I gave her a hug and she gave me a kiss and I said, ‘I’m gonna go because I know Brian’s coming,’” Stamper said.

Stamper says Davis and Brian Epperson had been romantically linked for several months. When she learned of his alleged connection to the deaths of Reacheal Dawson and Kristen Morris, she was shocked and it left her questioning Davis’ death.

“I had this real deep feeling in my heart that there was foul play, because she would not have overdosed on methamphetamine at all,” Stamper said.

Friend hopes for justice in Davis’ case

Investigators have not charged Epperson with Davis’ death, but Stamper says his federal indictment for those other deaths brought on bittersweet feelings for her.

“Its been hard. I’m happy he’s been charged with one murder, I’m happy about that,” Stamper said.

She’s hoping her friend can also receive justice.

“We’re still fighting for that and we’re not gonna stop until we get that,” Stamper said.

Until then, Stamper says she’ll continue to be a voice for Davis.

“We planned to fly to Texas because she wanted me to meet her family and things and none of that’s ever happened but all the things we’ve talked about doing, I’m still gonna do it. I’m gonna do everything me and her talked about because I just feel like that’s what I need to do,” Stamper said.

If convicted on those federal charges, Epperson could spend a minimum of life in prison.