Man pleads not guilty in traffic death of deputy

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A man charged with murder in a traffic crash that killed a Pike County deputy has pleaded not guilty.

David Childers made his plea on Friday afternoon in a Pike County courtroom that was filled with the family, friends and co-workers of the late James Thacker.

The deputy was killed on Jan. 23 when a sport-utility vehicle crossed the center line on US-460 and hit Thacker's car head-on.

Police say Childers was driving the SUV and there was drug paraphernalia inside.

A grand jury indicted the 47-year-old on murder and persistent felony offender charges.

Judge Steven Combs told Chiders he would be held without bond unless the defense filled a written motion, according to WYMT-TV.

Attorneys for Childers and the commonwealth declined to comment.