Kentucky Man's To-Do List Reveals Chilling Murder Plot
When you think of a to-do list, you probably picture a simple, everyday tool — a way to organize errands, chores, or work tasks. But in a chilling case from Stearns, Kentucky, a to-do list became a haunting piece of evidence in a murder investigation. On Sept. 12, Daniel Kearney, 39, was arrested after the body of his partner, 36-year-old Damian Poole, was discovered in the camper they shared near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. What makes this case particularly shocking is the alleged existence of a detailed checklist Kearney reportedly wrote, outlining how to cover up the crime, including reminders to clean up, get rid of evidence, burn items, spread ashes across state lines, and dispose of Poole's body.
The Discovery That Sparked the Investigation
The grim discovery began when Poole's mother reported him missing on Sept. 9 to the McCreary County Sheriff's Office. Three days later, Kentucky State Police troopers searched the camper where Kearney and Poole lived and found Poole's body in a back room. The remains were covered with several blankets, and Poole's ankles were bound with nylon rope. Investigators determined that Poole had sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and had been dead for several days.
The scene was grim and disturbing. Alongside Poole's body, the bodies of two dogs were found, both believed to have been shot. The camper showed signs of violence — bullet holes, pools of blood, and blood-stained sheets and cardboard were scattered throughout. Firearms, including an AR-style rifle reportedly belonging to Poole, were also recovered.
The To-Do List: A Blueprint for Concealment
What sets this case apart is the discovery of a notebook containing a to-do list allegedly written by Kearney. This was no ordinary list of household chores. Instead, it detailed a calculated plan to erase evidence and cover up the murder. The list included instructions to clean the residence thoroughly, get rid of incriminating evidence, paint surfaces with an odor sealant, and dispose of Poole's body. The notes went further, suggesting burning any remaining items and spreading the ashes on roadways — but notably, not in Kentucky, indicating an attempt to avoid detection by local authorities.
This list is a stark example of what investigators call "consciousness of guilt" — a person's awareness of wrongdoing and efforts to hide it. The presence of such a detailed plan suggests premeditation and a disturbing level of cold calculation. It's a chilling reminder that sometimes the most mundane objects can reveal the darkest secrets.
Neighbors Describe a Volatile Relationship
Neighbors painted a picture of a relationship fraught with tension and violence. They described Kearney as aggressive and volatile, often involved in loud, heated arguments with Poole. Some neighbors reported hearing gunshots from the camper weeks before the body was found. When questioned about Poole's whereabouts, Kearney allegedly gave conflicting stories, including claims that Poole had left suddenly to another state, such as Michigan, which investigators found suspicious.
The volatile nature of their relationship adds another layer of complexity to the case. It suggests a history of conflict that may have escalated to the tragic outcome. Yet, the presence of the to-do list indicates that the aftermath was not left to chance but was instead meticulously planned.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Daniel Kearney faces multiple charges, including murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and second-degree cruelty to animals, the latter likely related to the deaths of the two dogs found at the scene. He was taken into custody at the Knox County Detention Center, with bond set at $1 million. Kearney is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 18.
The case is still unfolding, and the motive behind the killing remains unclear. However, the evidence collected — including the to-do list — paints a disturbing picture of a crime followed by a calculated attempt to erase all traces.
The Dark Side of Everyday Objects
This case forces us to reconsider the ordinary. A to-do list, something most of us use to keep our lives organized, here becomes a sinister blueprint for concealment. It's a stark reminder that objects we take for granted can sometimes hold the key to unraveling the darkest human behaviors.
For those following the case, the to-do list is more than just a piece of paper — it's a window into the mind of a suspect who allegedly tried to control not only the act of murder but also the aftermath. It's a chilling testament to how premeditation and cold calculation can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.
What You Should Know
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org. Cases like this highlight the importance of awareness and intervention before tragedy strikes.
Final Thoughts
The story of Daniel Kearney and Damian Poole is a sobering example of how a simple to-do list can become a haunting piece of evidence in a murder case. It's a chilling contrast — between the mundane and the macabre — that captures our attention and reminds us of the complexities behind crime and human behavior. As the legal process moves forward, the to-do list will remain a stark symbol of the lengths to which someone might go to hide a terrible secret.
References: Kentucky Man Accused of Killing His Partner, Writing a To-Do List to Cover It Up | Kentucky man accused of killing partner had to-do list to cover it up, police say | Man accused of murdering his partner - then writing 'to do list' to cover it up
