A Tennessee man charged with causing an automobile accident that took the life of a 7-year-old Adair County girl is being held on $1 million cash bond.
Joel Hammack, 46, of Crossville, Tenn., was detained Saturday evening at the scene of an accident on the bypass and later charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol; operating a motor vehicle under the influence of substance, aggravated circumstances; assault 1st degree; and three counts of assault 2nd degree. He was housed in the Adair County Jail.
Hammack went before District Judge Michael Loy Monday morning, where Loy entered a not guilty plea on Hammack’s defense. Because Hammack faces felony charges, the case cannot be disposed of in District Court. Hammack was appointed a public defender and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. Hammack’s attorney asked Judge Loy to allow for a 10 percent property or cash bond and Loy said no, stating concern for the potential of danger to others.
Judge Loy said that according to Pre-Trial there has been at least three DUI convictions in other states within the past 10 years, which would potently make this DUI charge a fourth offense.
As Hammack was escorted by security out of the courtroom in shackles and handcuffs, he looked around the room and said, “ I am sorry for all this. I am. I am truly sorry.”
Hammack is accused of driving at a high rate of speed and hitting a vehicle driven by Townya Ritzie in the rear. Both vehicles stopped in a ditch, with Ritzie’s vehicle overturned.
Rose Morgan, a 7-year-old second grade student at Adair County Primary Center, was pronounced dead at the scene. For complete details of the accident go to https://adairvoice.com/stories/adair-county-child-dies-tenn-man-arrested-after-auto-accident,64191
Hammack’s passenger, Walter Nichols, 45, of Bean Station, Tenn. also went before Judge Loy Monday.
Nichols is charged with assault 3rd degree, against emergency personnel; assault 4th degree, minor injury; terroristic threatening, 3rd degree; disorderly conduct, 2nd degree; and alcohol intoxication in a public place. He was lodged in the Adair County Jail.
According to the arrest citation, Nichols reportedly brandished a knife at an individual and threatened to cut him, and he also kicked the fire chief while on the scene of the wreck. At the hospital, Nichols yelled at hospital staff and spit on the floor.
He is being held on $5,000 cash bond and will also have a preliminary hearing on Dec. 30.
