Tennessee man convicted of murder in DUI crash that killed Kentucky 7-year-old

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Tennessee man accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed a Kentucky second-grader could spend the rest of his life behind bars after his conviction Thursday.

Joel Hammack, 47, of Crosville, Tennessee, was found to have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he crashed his truck into a family's car at a high rate of speed on the KY 55 Bypass in Adair County on Dec. 28, 2024.

Seven-year-old Rose Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene, and four others in the vehicle were seriously injured.

After the crash, Hammack was charged with vehicular homicide when under the influence of alcohol, DUI, operating a vehicle under the influence of a substance, and four counts of assault. The DUI charge was at least the fourth filed against Hammack.

After a three-day trial in Casey County, Hammack was found guilty by a jury Wednesday of murder, two counts of assault in the first degree, two counts of assault in the fourth degree and possession of marijuana. He was also found guilty of being a persistent felony offender.

"This case demonstrates the tragic consequences of impaired driving," Commonwealth Attorney Brian Wright said in a news release Thursday. "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."

The jury recommended life in prison for Hammack. A judge will ultimately make that call during his final sentencing, scheduled for March.

Kentucky State Police used the case to highlight the importance of being responsible by planning ahead, designating a sober driver, and never operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

Adair County 2nd grader killed in DUI crash, man charged with vehicular homicide

Tennessee man convicted of murder in DUI crash that killed Kentucky 7-year-old