A man has been found guilty of killing an Adair County child in a car crash.
Joel Hammack, 47, of Crossville, Tennessee, was found guilty on Monday of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree assault and possession of marijuana. The verdict came after a three-day trial in Casey County (following a change of venue from Adair County where the crash occurred).
The jury recommended life in prison for the murder conviction and the two counts of first-degree assault, the maximum sentence allowable under Kentucky law.
The jury also recommended the maximum sentence for the two counts of fourth-degree assault and possession of marijuana charges. Furthermore, Hammack was found guilty of first-degree persistent felony offender, which enhanced the penalties for the other charges.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for March 2026.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred on December 21, 2024, on the Columbia Bypass in Adair County. The collision investigation was led by KSP Det. Weston Sullivan.
“Over the course of the investigation, Sullivan determined that Hammack was driving a Ford F-150 at a high rate of speed while under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he struck the rear of a Kia Sorento,” according to Kentucky State Police.
The crash resulted in the death of a seven-year-old child, Rose Morgan, and injuries to four other occupants of the Sorento, two of whom sustained serious injuries.
“This case demonstrates the tragic consequences of impaired driving.” Commonwealth Attorney Brian Wright said. “Prosecuting these cases is about honoring the lives lost, standing with the families left behind, and making clear that there will be accountability for these types of poor decisions.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
