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Owensboro Today
By the People, for the People
Man Arrested for Fatal Daviess County Wreck in September
Charles Mattingly charged with murder and DUI after lab results showed controlled substances in his blood at time of crash
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder and DUI in connection with a fatal car accident that occurred in Daviess County, Kentucky last September. Charles Mattingly was driving an SUV that collided head-on with a truck driven by Joseph Prater, who died from his injuries. Mattingly was airlifted for treatment, and lab results later showed he had controlled substances in his blood at the time of the crash.
Why it matters
Fatal car accidents involving impaired driving are a serious public safety issue, and this arrest highlights the need for stricter enforcement and prosecution of DUI laws to deter such dangerous behavior and protect innocent lives on the roads.
The details
On September 25, 2025, a truck driven by Joseph Prater was traveling westbound on Kentucky 144 near the intersection with Boteler Road when it was struck head-on by an SUV driven by Charles Mattingly. Prater died from his injuries, while Mattingly was airlifted for medical treatment. After lab results showed Mattingly had controlled substances in his blood at the time of the crash, he was arrested on Thursday and charged with murder and DUI.
- The fatal accident occurred on September 25, 2025.
- Mattingly was arrested on March 5, 2026.
The players
Charles Mattingly
A 34-year-old man who was driving the SUV that collided head-on with the truck driven by Joseph Prater, resulting in Prater's death. Mattingly was arrested and charged with murder and DUI after lab results showed he had controlled substances in his blood at the time of the crash.
Joseph Prater
The driver of the truck that was struck head-on by Mattingly's SUV, resulting in Prater's death.
What’s next
Mattingly is being held in the Daviess County Detention Center, and a judge will determine if he will be granted bail.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable to prevent future loss of life on the roads.
