Fatal crash leads to murder arrest

Feb. 15--Two individuals, one from Clarkson, lost their lives in a crash that resulted in murder charges for an Upton man Saturday night, Feb. 13.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 3 in Bowling Green responded to a two-vehicle injury collision that resulted in two fatalities Saturday evening at 6:50 p.m. on US 31-W in the limits of Bonnieville in Hart County.

According to a KSP news release, the preliminary investigation indicated that Manuel Crespo, 27, of Upton, was operating a 2003 Dodge van and was involved in a non-injury collision in the limits of Bonnieville on US 31-W where he struck a 2011 Ford passenger car being operated by Angela Damico, 66, of Bonnieville.

Crespo then fled the scene and continued southbound on US 31-W where he then attempted to pass another vehicle, the release states.

Crespo crossed over into the opposing lane and collided with a northbound 2003 Dodge van being operated by James Haycraft, 50, of Clarkson, KY, who had three passengers, according to the release.

James Haycraft was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

Mary Haycraft, 50, of Clarkson, was transported to University of Louisville Hospital by aircraft where she later succumbed to her injuries at approximately 3:32 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14 and was pronounced deceased by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Jason Ferguson, 39, of Upton, was also transported by aircraft to the University of Louisville Hospital where he was pronounced deceased Saturday night at approximately 8:41 p.m. by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Stephanie Ferguson, 39, of Upton, was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital from where she was later transported to the University of Louisville Hospital where, as of Sunday, she was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Crespo was not injured in the collision. He was arrested and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he was charged with Murder; Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree (four counts); Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Aggravating Circumstance), 1st Offense; Leaving the Scene of an Accident; No Operators License; Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited; and Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance, 1st Offense, according to the release.

Crespo was arrested prior to Mary Haycraft's passing, so he later received a second charge of Murder, according to the release.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by KSP Trooper Daniel Priddy. He was assisted on the scene by Sergeant Jeremy Smith, Troopers Michael Murray, Ashcon Karbasi, and Graham Rutherford, Hart County Emergency Medical Services, the Bonnieville Fire Department, the Upton Fire Department, and Air Methods.

Reach Matt Lasley at 270-259-9622, ext. 2015.

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