PADUCAH, Ky. — The driver of a car that collided with a tractor-trailer, killing the passenger, in McCracken County, Kentucky, is now facing murder and other charges.
Jared King, 44, of Salem, Missouri, is accused of intentionally colliding with a 1999 Freightliner with his 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, causing the death of his passenger, Tammy King, 51, also of Salem, Missouri. The relationship between the Kings has not been released by the sheriff’s office.
McCracken County deputies responded to the wreck in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24, near the 13.5-mile marker, on the afternoon of April 28.
Tammy King sustained major injuries in the crash and was flown to an out-of-state hospital for treatment. She died of the injuries the following morning.
Jared King was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
There was no report of the truck driver being injured.
A 2011 Toyota Camry and 2014 International were involved in separate collisions as a result of the collision between King and the Freightliner.
Detectives and patrol staff investigated the collision and after several interviews and collecting evidence from out of state, they determined that Jared King intentionally collided with the Freightliner.
“More specifically, Jared King intentionally drove into and across the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24, directly in the path of an oncoming semi-tractor trailer,” the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
Jared King was arrested after he was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon.
He is being held at McCracken County Regional Jail and facing the following charges:
- Murder
- Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (5 Counts)
- Criminal Mischief 1st Degree (2 Counts)
- Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
- Operating on a Suspended / Revoked License
- Failure to Yield Right of Way
- Disregarding Traffic Control Device
This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and no other details are available at this time.
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