Earlington, KY – Tragedy has struck the Earlington Community as a local teenager is dead and a drunk driver is behind bars today.  The Hopkins County Sheriff''s Office reports 33 year old John W. Hamilton of Earlington was operating a Ford Mustang traveling east on West Main Street in Earlington while a   pedestrian, 18  Julia Wooten attempted to cross West Main Street and was struck by Hamilton’s vehicle.  Hamilton and his passenger 23 year old Jamel Woods, also of Earlington, fled the scene before officers arrived.

Hopkins County Coroner Dennis Mayfield pronounced Wooten dead at the scene.  West Main Street was closed for approximately four and a half hours while officers conducted their investigation.  The incident occurred just before 2:am Sunday morning.

Hamilton and Woods later returned to the scene and were placed under arrest.

Hamilton was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs etc., 2nd Offense and leaving the Scene of an Accident / Failure to Render Aid or Assistance.  Woods was charged with Leaving the Scene of Accident/Fail to Render Aid or Assistance. 

Wooten was employeed by the Subway Restaurant on Madison Squre Drive.  The business closed early Sunday in memory of Wooten.

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Kentucky State Police, Madisonville Police Department, Hopkins County Coroner’s Office, Earlington Volunteer Fire Department, and the Medical Center Ambulance Service.

The accident remains under investigation as more charges could be filled against the two men.

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Tim Moore - News Director

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