WARNING-The following story contains disturbing details surrounding this case.
A Breathitt County man has been arrested and charged with murder and tampering in the case of Joanie Campbell, the woman who went missing last Thursday after stopping at a Jackson convenient store.
According to the arrest citation obtained by WBON-TV9, after it was reported Joanie Campbell was missing and had not been heard from, Kentucky State Police opened a missing person case.
During their investigation, investigators learned Fairly Napier was the last person to have contact with Mrs. Campbell. That was Thursday January 4, 2024. KSP then received the call that a car had been located on Spicewood Road in Breathitt County with a deceased body inside. Detectives responded to the scene where it was learned the burned vehicle matched the description of the vehicle driven by Joanie Campbell.
Investigators say the vehicle contained what appeared to be human remains. The vehicle was located on property that was being logged by Fairly Napier. It was also determined the skidder and dozer that was located in close proximity to the vehicle and deceased body belonged to Mr. Napier.
Investigators say the skidder appeared to have human remains and body tissue on it. From interviews that KSP conducted, they were advised that Campell had kids in common with Mr. Fairley, and that Cambell had stated that Napier had threatened to harm her in the past.
After speaking with Chelsea Napier, the daughter of Mr. Napier, investigators say she stated Napier told her “he was tired of seeing Campell,” and Mr. Napier admitted to her he had burned the body.
Napier was taken into custody Sunday morning January 7,2024 and charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence. He’s lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Perry County.
The remains have been sent to Frankfort for conclusive identification.
Fairley Napier
