STEARNS, KY – Residents of a quiet Kentucky community were shaken after authorities uncovered a grisly scene during a search for a man reported missing by his family. What investigators found was a meticulously staged plan to conceal a murder, marked by a handwritten checklist that police say detailed every step of the alleged cover-up.

Damian Poole, 36, was reported missing in early September after failing to arrive in Colorado for a scheduled family visit. That absence triggered immediate concern among loved ones and, soon after, prompted law enforcement to launch a missing person investigation that would lead them to Stearns, Kentucky.

Late Friday, Kentucky State Police and the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the home where Poole lived with his partner, 39-year-old Daniel Kearney. Inside, authorities discovered Poole’s body in a back room, bound at the ankles with nylon rope. The body showed multiple gunshot wounds, according to investigators. Nearby, two dogs were also found dead from apparent gunshot injuries.

Investigators say a crucial piece of evidence surfaced during the search: a handwritten checklist that appeared to outline a step-by-step process for cleaning up the aftermath of the killing. The list reportedly included reminders to wipe down the crime scene, dispose of physical evidence, use odor-sealing products, and ultimately burn items that might link back to the crime. The task list even noted plans to scatter ashes in different states.

In their search, authorities also recovered spent shell casings, an AR-style rifle, other firearms, and a large piece of blood-stained cardboard by the front door. Police believe Poole was killed several days before being found, and that the dogs were also shot during the incident.

Details from neighbors contributed further context to the investigation. Several residents described frequent arguments and gunfire coming from the home. Neighbors said Kearney had a reputation for aggression and volatility, referring to him as a “powder keg.” Following the killing, Kearney allegedly told others that Poole had left for Colorado and would not be returning.

Authorities determined that Kearney had been living in a camper outside the home following the incident. He now faces multiple charges, including murder, abuse of a corpse, evidence tampering, and animal cruelty.

Kearney remains in custody at the Knox County Detention Center with bail set at $1 million. His arraignment is slated for September 18 as investigators continue to piece together the full series of events.

Poole’s death has left the local community reeling as they await answers regarding the motive and timeline. Kentucky State Police have not said if additional charges may be filed as the investigation proceeds.