COLUMBIA, Ky. (February 5, 2026) – A Tennessee man has been found guilty on multiple charges stemming from a Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 investigation into a fatal collision in Adair County.
On February 2, 2026, a three-day trial began in Casey County Circuit Court following a change of venue from Adair County Circuit Court. On February 4, 2026, a jury found Joel Hammack, 47, of Crossville, Tennessee, guilty of Murder; two counts of Assault 1st Degree; two counts of Assault 4th Degree; and Possession of Marijuana.
The jury recommended life in prison for the Murder conviction and the two counts of Assault 1st Degree—the maximum sentence allowable under Kentucky law. The jury also recommended the maximum sentence for the two counts of Assault 4th Degree and Possession of Marijuana charges. Furthermore, Mr. Hammack was found guilty of Persistent Felony Offender 1st Degree, 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. The collision investigation was led by Detective Weston Sullivan. Over the course of the investigation, Detective Sullivan determined that Mr. Hammack was operating 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.
Detective Sullivan, along with numerous KSP Troopers, worked tirelessly throughout the 14-month investigation. KSP 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 tragic event was very preventable and was a direct result of impaired driving. “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 (KSP) is committed to keeping Kentuckians safe as they travel the roadways throughout the Commonwealth. With upcoming Super Bowl festivities and the approach of summer, KSP Troopers will be actively patrolling our roadways to locate and arrest impaired drivers.
We urge everyone to be responsible—plan ahead, designate a sober driver, and never operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. Impaired driving puts countless innocent lives at risk and will not be tolerated.
If you choose to drive impaired and cause a tragic collision, KSP Troopers and prosecutors in the Commonwealth stand ready to hold you accountable and ensure your actions do not endanger anyone else.
(Trooper Jonathan Houk – Kentucky State Police Post 15)