Man accused in overdose deaths answers to federal charges

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) — A man accused in the deaths of at least two women after they overdosed appeared in a federal courtroom Monday morning.

Brian Phillip Epperson is charged with distributing meth that caused the deaths. One woman died in Powell County and the other in Clark County.

Epperson has also been linked to other women who died following interactions with him.

Related:

• Federal grand jury indicts man for role in overdose deaths
• More weigh in on federal indictment of Ky. man charged in overdose deaths
• Family of Ky. overdose victim looks for more after Epperson indictment charges
• Memorial honors woman one year after overdose death
• Woman details friend’s relationship with Epperson before fatal overdose

Victims’ families seek justice

Kaylieb Thompson said it was difficult seeing the man accused in his fiancé’s death.

“If I had emotion to put on it or words to put on it, I wish I could get within a foot of him,” Thompson said.

Epperson faces two federal counts of distributing meth that caused overdose deaths. Thompson’s fiancé, Reacheal Dawson, died in late June.

“I am never going to get her. Tell me, why does he get to live?” Thompson said.

Potential penalties and additional charges

If convicted, Epperson could face 20 years to life in prison and at least a fine of $1 million along with restitution and other assessments laid out by the court.

Epperson faces multiple other charges including a state charge of murder from the death of Kristen Morris in Powell County. He’s also linked to Hilory Davis, who died in a Winchester motel last year.

People who knew the various victims are eager for justice.

“I understand it is a waiting game. And I understand everything is just a process. The fact that he gets to go back to his cell, make phone calls, be with his family,” said Heather Shelton, a friend of Hilory Davis.

“Don’t take for granted what you got. I don’t have remorse,” Thompson said.

The trial is set to begin February 2 and last about seven days.

Epperson remains in the Clark County Detention Center.