Aug 27, 2025 By Cassidy Roark 2 min read

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of a Greene County man charged in connection with a January 2024 crash on Interstate 79 that killed two young adults from Morgantown.

The defendant, Thomas H. Horner III, 39, of Bobtown, faces two counts of negligent homicide and one count of reckless driving with injury. Authorities claim Horner’s actions contributed to a multi-vehicle accident that shut down traffic in both directions for nearly five hours near the 149 mile marker on Jan. 3.

The crash claimed the lives of ZaQuan “Za” George, 21, and Margaret “Maggie” Erdie, 19.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecutors presented their case through several witnesses. Testimony included the 911 operator who took the initial emergency call, two witnesses who were at the scene of the crash and members of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department who responded and investigated. Deputy Chad Summers and Detective Josh Ward were among those who described their roles in the investigation. Sheriff Bradley Broker also took the stand as the sheriff’s office reconstructionist, explaining how investigators pieced together the sequence of events leading to the collision.

The state’s case is being led by attorney Robert Zak, while Horner is represented by defense attorney Bryan Edwards.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s testimony, prosecutors rested their case. The defense is expected to begin presenting witnesses today, and the trial is anticipated to finish by the end of the day.

Horner was arraigned shortly after the crash in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, where he was released on a personal recognizance bond.