Grammy-nominated musician killed; Driver with 100+ arrests charged

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Police released an image of the crash site. (Credit: Hopkinton Police Department)

HOPKINTON, R.I. - A Grammy-nominated musician was struck and killed in Rhode Island by a suspected driver, whom police said had over 100 prior arrests. 

The backstory:

The Hopkinton Police Department said on December 6, officers responded to a one-vehicle crash on Spring Street.

Officers found that a pedestrian who had been walking his dogs had been struck by the vehicle. 

Police identified the suspect driver as 41-year-old Shannon N. Godbout. They believed that she exited her lane and struck several objects, including two telephone poles. 

The victim was identified as 70-year-old Roderick Macleod. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died from his injuries. 

Shannon N. Godbout (Credit: Hopkinton Police Department)

Dig deeper:

Authorities said Godbout was in possession of multiple illegal narcotics and packaging materials typically associated with drug distribution. 

Godbout was arrested at the scene and transported to Westerly Hospital for medical evaluation by Ashaway Ambulance. 

Godbout faces preliminary charges of driving to endanger, resulting in death, as well as possession of Schedule I/II narcotics with intent to distribute—a third or subsequent offense. 

She is expected to appear before a Justice of the Peace and will be presented to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as a criminal violator due to prior cases for which she is currently serving suspended sentences or probation. 

Police noted that Godbout has an extensive criminal history, including more than 100 arrests, eight of which were by the Hopkinton Police Department, along with 82 previously issued court warrants and 40 traffic citations, seven of them from Hopkinton Police. 

Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

According to WJAR, Macleod received a Grammy nomination as a member of Roomful of Blues in the 1980s and was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Roomful of Blues. 

What they're saying:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Macleod's family during this difficult time following this tragic incident," police said in a Facebook post. 

What's next:

Police report that the Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the ongoing investigation. 

Godbout remains in police custody at Rhode Island Hospital. 

The Hopkinton Police Department is working with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to bring her to court for violating probation. Both agencies will review all the evidence to decide which charges to file at her District Court arraignment and whether any additional charges are needed.