Jury recommends life sentence in fatal Adair County collision

COLUMBIA, Ky. – A Tennessee man has been found guilty on multiple charges stemming from a Kentucky State Police Post 15 investigation into a fatal collision in Adair County.

On Monday, Feb. 2, authorities say a three-day trial began in Casey County Circuit Court following a change of venue from Adair County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, a jury found 47-year-old Joel Hammack of Crossville, Tennessee guilty of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree assault and possession of marijuana.

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, according to KSP. Troopers say 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, thereby enhancing the penalties for his other charges. Final sentencing is scheduled for March 2026.

The charges stem from a collision that occurred on December 21, 2024, on the Columbia Bypass in Adair County, troopers say. Over the course of the investigation, the Kentucky State Police says detective Weston Sullivan determined 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.

The collision resulted in the death of a 7-year-old child, Rose Morgan, and injuries to four other occupants of the Sorento, two of whom sustained serious injuries, authorities say.

Sullivan, along with numerous KSP Troopers, worked tirelessly throughout the 14-month investigation, according to KSP. KSP says it commends the 29th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth Attorney Brian Wright and his staff for their dedication and efforts in the successful prosecution of this investigation.

“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.”

The Kentucky State Police states it urges drivers to be responsible, plan ahead, designate a sober drive and to never operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

If you choose to drive impaired and cause a tragic collision, KSP states troopers and prosecutors in the Commonwealth “stand ready to hold you accountable and ensure your actions do not endanger anyone else.”