Campbellsville driver charged with murder after Bardstown man dies in crash

May 04--A Campbellsville man faces murder and multiple other charges after a fatal crash in Washington County Sunday afternoon, Kentucky State Police said.

Victor Mendoza, 25, is charged with murder, two counts of wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, drunken driving, driving with no license, having an open alcohol container in his vehicle, and failing to have car insurance, according to the Columbia state police post.

The charges stem from a three-vehicle wreck about 12:35 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Bloomfield Road and Ky. 150 at Springfield, troopers said.

Mendoza disregarded a stop sign and drove his northbound 1998 Ford van into the path of a 2007 Chrysler van driven by Cliddie McKinney, 76, of Bardstown, police said.

McKinney's van then crashed into a 1998 Toyota Camry, driven by Debbie Spalding, 43, of Springfield. She was stopped in the southbound lane of Ky. 150, police said.

McKinney died just before 3 p.m. at Spring View Hospital in Lebanon, according to state police. A passenger, Mary McKinney, 78, was treated and released.

Spalding also was treated at the Lebanon hospital and released.

Mendoza and a passenger, Pascual Blanco, 35, of Campbellsville, fled. Springfield police apprehended them later and both men were treated for minor injuries.

Mendoza and Blanco were lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. Blanco was charged with intoxication and leaving the scene of an accident.

An investigation into the crash is continuing.

Jim Warren (859) 231-3255

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