Trial date set after mediation fails in Glasgow triple-fatal crash case
Asa Howard, accused of causing the Oct. 17, 2025, crash that killed three teenagers, appeared in court Monday after an attempted plea agreement process was unsuccessful.
GLASGOW, Ky. — The man accused of causing a crash that killed three teenagers on Veterans Outer Loop appeared in court Monday after mediation efforts in the case failed.
Asa Howard, 18, is facing three counts of murder, first-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the Oct. 17, 2025, crash that killed Emily Corbin, William “Toxie” Moore and Charley Fancher.
Brennan Crain
Investigators previously said Howard was driving a Nissan Altima north on North Jackson Highway when he allegedly ran a red light at Veterans Outer Loop and collided with another vehicle.
The case was referred to felony mediation in May after both the prosecution and defense agreed to attempt the process. The goal of mediation was to allow both sides to discuss a possible resolution before trial.
During Monday’s hearing in Barren Circuit Court, attorneys informed Judge John T. Alexander that the mediation process was unsuccessful.
The failed mediation means the case will move forward through the traditional court process unless the parties reach a future agreement.
Howard appeared before Judge Alexander remotely from the Barren County Detention Center. His attorney, Ken Garrett, appeared alongside Commonwealth’s Attorney John Gardner.
Garrett requested at least five days for the trial, noting the proceedings could require an additional day to be completed.
Judge Alexander scheduled Howard’s trial for March 16-19, 2027. The court also reserved additional dates the following week in case the proceedings extend beyond the original schedule.
A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Dec. 7, when attorneys are expected to provide another update on the case.
The charges stem from a crash at the intersection of North Jackson Highway and Veterans Outer Loop. Investigators previously said Howard was driving a Nissan Altima with multiple passengers when he allegedly ran a red light and collided with another vehicle.
According to previous court filings, a blood sample taken approximately two hours after the crash showed Howard’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.129.
Kentucky’s legal limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02.
The case had moved toward mediation after prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed to attempt negotiations through Kentucky’s felony mediation program. The process allows defendants, defense attorneys and prosecutors to meet privately with a trained mediator to discuss a possible resolution.
However, mediation does not guarantee an agreement, and either side can reject a proposed resolution and proceed toward trial.
Howard remains in the Barren County Detention Center as the case moves toward the March 2027 trial.
