A driver from a deadly crash faces a judge Friday

TULSA - A man accused of killing three people during a wreck on Christmas Eve is in court Friday.

Troopers say 20 year-old Steven Jameson of Stillwater was distracted by his dog in the backseat when he crashed into another car on Highway 51.

Friday is the first day of the split preliminary hearing for Jameson, it will resume on September 10th. A judge will then determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move to trial.

Jameson's family members, along with the victim's family were all present in the courtroom.

During the hearing, an Oklahoma State Trooper who was at the scene of the crash back in December testified on the stand.

He discussed what happened that day, he says the Jameson's Hummer did cross the center line on Highway 51 and hit the victim's Chevy Cobalt, head on. Three people were inside the Cobalt. 42 year-old Michael Mulanax, his wife Angela, and their son, James. All three died at the scene.

The trooper went on to say he was the one who informed Jameson of his impending arrest and of the deaths of the Mulanaxs'. He told the judge that Jameson was 'relaxed' and had only a small emotional reaction.

The trooper also says he found marijuana inside Jameson's Hummer and he believes Jameson was under the influence of the drug at the time of the crash, but that can't be confirmed through blood tests.

The defense focused its questioning on the weather conditions at the time of the crash. We heard from first responders and witnesses who came upon the accident that day. Several witnesses recalled seeing Jameson's hummer before the crash. They say they noticed he was driving too fast on the icy roads.

Those who interacted with Jameson afterward say he was shocked and visibly upset when he found out those in the other car didn't make it. The defense pointed out that paramedics did not note in their reports that he seemed under the influence after the accident.

Jameson was later treated at the hospital for a leg injury, where they took blood samples. We're still waiting on the results of those tests.

Jameson faces three counts of first degree manslaughter, one count of possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license.