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20 years for dad after son's fatal motorcycle stunt
5 Oct
Summary
- Father sentenced to 20 years for vehicular homicide.
- Son died during attempted wheelie on motorcycle.
- Father was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Joseph Traylor of Princeton, Kentucky, received a 20-year prison sentence on October 2, 2026, for the vehicular homicide of his 15-month-old son. The toddler, Terry Desmond Traylor, died in July 2024 following a motorcycle crash. Investigations revealed Traylor was riding the motorcycle the wrong way on a one-way street with his son strapped to his chest when he attempted a wheelie.
Traylor lost control and struck a telephone pole, resulting in the infant's death and his own injuries. He had pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs or substances, along with reckless driving and operating under the influence.
During sentencing, the Commonwealth's Attorney requested the 20-year sentence as per the plea agreement. The judge emphasized Traylor's ineligibility for probation and mandated that 85% of the sentence be served before parole eligibility. The judge described the case as a tragedy, hoping the sentence offers some closure.
