Kentucky Woman Dies in Hotel Room. Same Man Charged With Murder in Previous Overdose Case

By [newspulse] | July 16, 2025 | Winchester, Kentucky

For Kayeeka Dawson, June 27 is a date that changed her life forever—the day her beloved sister, Reachel Dawson, was found dead in a hotel room in Winchester, Kentucky.

“She was just a bright soul,” Kayeeka said. “She would light up the room the moment she walked in—always smiling, always laughing.”

That light was extinguished far too soon.

Reachel had been reported missing earlier that day by her fiancé. The 30-year-old Louisville native was later discovered unresponsive inside a room at the Red Roof Inn, where 44-year-old Brian Epperson had checked in under his name. When police arrived, they found her lifeless—a heartbreaking discovery confirmed after hours of waiting by her sister, who rushed from Louisville to Winchester in search of answers.

“I watched them carry her out. I walked in and saw her lying there, lifeless. I’ll never forget that,” Kayeeka said, her voice breaking. “I’m not okay—I’m taking it one second at a time.”

A Pattern of Suspicious Overdose Deaths

While police have not yet charged Epperson in Reachel’s death, he has been arrested on methamphetamine possession charges related to the incident.

A toxicology report from the Clark County Coroner revealed Reachel had 14,220 nanograms per milliliter of meth in her system—an amount consistent with a fatal overdose. But what has raised even more concern is the fact that this isn’t the first death Epperson is connected to.

In Powell County, Epperson is currently facing a murder charge in the overdose death of another woman found at an Airbnb he rented. In that case, the victim had 57,000 ng/mL of meth in her system—285 times the amount typically found in a fatal overdose.

Now, authorities believe Epperson may be connected to a third suspicious death, involving a woman who died from an overdose at a Fayette County hotel in November 2024.

Winchester Police Chief Travis Thompson confirmed Tuesday that investigations are ongoing in all cases.

“She Never Did Drugs”

Kayeeka Dawson is adamant: her sister was not a drug user.

“My sister never used drugs a day in her life,” she said. “And I believe the other woman didn’t either—not until they met this man.”

She believes Reachel’s death was not an accident—and that more victims may still be out there. While she understands that investigators must follow a careful process, she says justice cannot come soon enough.

“It’s a waiting game,” Kayeeka admitted. “But I want them to get it right. I want him off the streets so he can’t do this to anyone else.”

Ongoing Investigation and Upcoming Court Date

Epperson is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center. He is expected to appear in court on July 16 to face charges related to meth possession. Authorities say they are continuing to work with prosecutors to determine whether more serious charges, including homicide, may be warranted in Reachel’s case.

Chief Thompson emphasized that the investigation remains active and open.

A Sister’s Grief, a Community’s Loss

As friends and family mourn the loss of Reachel Dawson, they remember her as a kind, compassionate woman with dreams, laughter, and light. Her sister is now her voice—determined to ensure that no more women suffer the same fate.

“She was love,” Kayeeka said softly. “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”