Driver under the influence charged with murder in fatal crash

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A 34-year-old Owensboro man has been charged with murder and DUI (controlled substance) in connection with a September 2025 crash that killed a 31-year-old Owensboro resident. The Daviess County Sheriff's Office said Charles T. Mattingly was indicted by a grand jury after lab tests showed he was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the head-on collision.

Why it matters

Impaired driving continues to be a major public safety issue, with drug-related crashes often resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities compared to alcohol-related crashes. This case highlights the need for stronger enforcement and prosecution of drugged driving offenses to deter such behavior and protect innocent lives.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, the crash occurred on September 10, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. in the 8500 block of Hwy 144 in the Ensor community in eastern Daviess County. Mattingly, driving an SUV, crossed the center line and struck head-on a westbound truck driven by 31-year-old Joseph W. Prater, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Mattingly was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital.

• The crash occurred on September 10, 2025, at 5:30 a.m.
• Mattingly was indicted by a Daviess County Grand Jury earlier this week and arrested on Thursday.

What’s next

Mattingly was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond. The judge will determine if he will be allowed out on bail.