State police investigating McCreary County murder

Daniel A. Kearney, 39, of Stearns, KY

STEARNS, Ky. – Kentucky State Police is investigating a murder in McCreary County.

The McCreary County Sheriff’s Office contacted KSP on Thursday evening regarding a missing person investigation involving Damian A. Poole, 36, of Monument, Colorado.

KSP obtained a search warrant for a residence on Farm Ridge Road in Stearns, believed to be the residence of Poole.

Deputies discovered a dead person and two dead animals inside the home.

MCSD secured the scene before KSP could arrive.

KSP says the dead person sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Daniel A. Kearney, 39, of Stearns, was located inside the home.

KSP interviewed Kearney.

Following the interviews, KSP charged Kearney with murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and cruelty to animals, 2nd degree. He was lodged at the Knox County Detention Center.

The victim was pronounced dead by the McCreary County Coroner late Thursday evening.

The investigation is ongoing.