Son pleads not guilty to mother's murder

Mary Jane Epling, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
·2 min read

Apr. 5—GREENUP — A 20-year-old was arraigned on charges in connection to the discovery of his mother's body inside of a burned vehicle in March 2023.

Joshua Meenach was indicted by a grand jury last week on charges of murder, first-degree arson, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse.

The charges came nearly one year to the date after the body of Stacy L. Meenach, 47, was discovered inside of a burned vehicle on Saw Pit Road near Load.

While the relationship of Joshua and Stacy has not been officially released, social media profiles suggest Joshua was Stacy's son.

Joshua Meenach appeared before Greenup Circuit Judge Brian McCloud on Thursday for his first court appearance following his indictment and arrest last week.

Meenach only spoke regarding his financial status when McCloud inquired whether he intended to hire his own attorney.

After McCloud deemed Meenach qualified, he was appointed representation by Charles Oppenheimer with the Department of Public Advocacy.

Oppenheimer waived formal arraignment, meaning his charges were not read aloud, and entered a not-guilty plea on Meenach's behalf.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Merkel said case discovery, or evidence, against Meenach would be made available to Oppenheimer early next week.

Due to the nature of the case, Oppenheimer said he expects the discovery contents will be extensive and requested at least six weeks to review its contents before Meenach's next court appearance.

Bond modifications were not discussed during the initial arraignment hearing, however, online records indicate Meenach is currently held at the Greenup County Detention Center without bond.

Per previous reports, Greenup County Coroner Neil Wright did not disclose Stacy's manner of death or evidence that implicated Meenach in her murder.

However, Wright specified Stacy died less than 24 hours before she was discovered inside the vehicle near her home on the desolate roadway.

Meenach is currently scheduled for his first pre-trial conference on May 16.

If convicted, Meenach faces life in prison.

(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com