MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — A Baxter County man accused of causing a deadly motorcycle crash while under the influence will have several more weeks before formally entering a plea.
On Monday, 57-year-old Joe Allen Deen appeared before Baxter County Circuit Judge John Putman for a scheduled plea hearing. Deen’s attorney, Ben Burnett of Mountain Home, requested a postponement citing Deen’s upcoming hip surgery. Judge Putman granted the motion, moving the plea entry to October 6, 2025.
The case stems from a tragic crash that occurred on August 2023 along State Highway 341, a winding roadway in Baxter County commonly known as Push Mountain Road. Investigators say Deen lost control of his motorcycle after attempting to swerve around a rock in the roadway. His motorcycle veered off the pavement and struck a road sign, resulting in catastrophic injuries to his female passenger.
Emergency crews responded quickly, and the victim was airlifted to a hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Despite medical efforts, she did not survive her injuries. Authorities have not publicly released her name out of respect for her family’s privacy.
As part of the investigation, Deen was transported to Baxter Health, where a blood draw indicated a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Prosecutors charged him with negligent homicide, a Class B felony, and an additional misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Negligent homicide in Arkansas carries significant penalties, including the possibility of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. The DWI misdemeanor carries further potential jail time and fines.
Deen has been free on $10,000 bond since shortly after his arrest. His attorney has not made public statements about the case beyond procedural matters.
This October plea hearing will mark a critical stage in the case. If Deen enters a guilty plea, the proceedings will move toward sentencing. If he pleads not guilty, a trial date could be scheduled for 2026.
The fatal crash remains a painful reminder of the risks of impaired driving and the lasting impact on families left behind. The victim’s loved ones have not spoken publicly, but court officials acknowledge their presence at earlier hearings and the emotional toll such proceedings can carry.
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