Federal judge grants 90-day delay in Brian Epperson’s trial

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A federal judge has granted a 90-day continuance in the case of Brian Epperson, who faces federal drug distribution charges tied to the deaths of two women. The trial has been postponed from February 2, 2026, to May 6, 2026.

Charges stem from overdose deaths of two women

Epperson was indicted on federal charges for distributing methamphetamine that police say led to the deaths of Kristen Morris and Reachel Dawson. In addition to the federal charges, he is also facing state charges related to the women’s deaths.

WKYT was first to report on Epperson’s charges after sitting down with Dawson’s family.

Detectives also believe Epperson is connected to the death of Hilory Davis, who was found dead from an overdose at a Lexington hotel in November 2024. However, he has not yet been charged in the case.

Currently, Epperson is being held in the Clark County Detention Center.

Defense requests time for evidence review and testing

Epperson’s attorneys asked the court to continue his jury trial to thoroughly review discovery materials and have certain evidence undergo forensic testing.

According to the filing, preliminary discussions have begun regarding a potential plea agreement. It also noted that the prosecution did not object to the continuance request.

In an order issued January 15, 2026, U.S. District Judge Robert E. Wier approved the 90-day continuance.

• Man accused in overdose deaths answers to federal charges
• 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

Balancing justice and speedy trial rights

Judge Wier’s decision centered on the balance required under the federal Speedy Trial Act, which mandates trials commence within 70 days of indictment or first appearance, while allowing judges to exclude certain periods of delay when “the ends of justice” are served.

“Given the severity of the charges (which are both Class A felonies with weighty minima), the relative infancy of the case, and the possibility of out-of-court case resolution, the Court finds that the ends of justice served by granting a continuance outweigh the best interests of Defendant and the public in a speedier trial,” Judge Wier wrote in the order.

Speedy Trial Act compliance maintained

The court determined that the case remains compliant with the Speedy Trial Act, declaring the time period between February 2 and May 6, 2026, is excludable from the statutory 70-day calculation.

Arraignment took place on November 24, 2025, marking the start date for Speedy Trial Act purposes.

Judge Wier wrote that at the time of the continuance motion on January 12, 2026, 46 days of the 70-day period had elapsed, leaving 24 days remaining—sufficient cushion when the excluded continuance period is factored in.

New trial date set

The jury trial is now scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Lexington. Counsel and defendant are required to appear by 8:00 a.m.

All pretrial deadlines have been reset relative to the new trial date. Any party wishing to object to the speedy trial analysis has 10 days from the order’s issuance to file a motion.