Father pleads not guilty in son's fatal crash

A father charged in a collision that killed his seven-year-old son has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts and asked a judge to expedite his case. Austin Summers appeared in Canyon County District Court on Monday, Nov. 9, for his arraignment. Prosecutors allege the crash occurred in November 2025 on Interstate 84 near Nampa.

Summers faces one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and two counts of felony injury to children. His son, Graham, died in the accident. Two other children riding in the vehicle sustained injuries but survived. Investigators state that Summers was speeding and distracted by a cellphone when his vehicle struck the rear of a truck that had lost engine power.

During the hearing, the judge detailed the maximum penalties for the charges. Vehicular manslaughter carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Summers entered a not guilty plea for all three counts. He also formally requested a speedy trial.

The trial is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2027. Prosecutors expect the proceedings to last approximately two weeks. The state anticipates calling between 10 and 15 witnesses. Both the prosecution and the defense are expected to present testimony from expert witnesses.

Summers is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 9. The next proceeding will likely address pretrial motions or discovery matters. The case remains in the Canyon County District Court system. No other defendants have been named in connection with the November 2025 crash.