Carnegie man to face trail after wreck kills teens

ANADARKO — A Carnegie man was bound over for trial for a September 2022 wreck that killed two Caddo County teens.

Following a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Caddo County District Court, District Judge David A. Stephens found enough probable cause to bind Joshua Dale Kestler, 34, over for trial for two counts of first-degree manslaughter, records indicate. Each count is punishable by no less than 10 years in prison.

Kestler is accused of being under the influence at the time of the Sept. 28, 2022, wreck.

The wreck happened about 3½ miles east of Fort Cobb, according to Trooper Ryan Hayes. Two teen boys, ages 15 and 13, died at the scene, according to the probable cause affidavit. Neither boy was wearing a seatbelt.

The boys were riding in a Toyota Highlander driven by Kestler. He and his front-seat passenger, Erica J. Mayfield, 26, of Carnegie, were flown to OU Medical in Oklahoma City where they were treated and released for head injuries, the report states. They were wearing seatbelts, according to Hayes.

The trooper reported Kestler smelled of alcohol at the scene.

Held on $500,000 bond since his initial court appearance June 14, 2023, Kestler returns before Stephens at 10:30 a.m. April 24 for his formal arraignment.