A Grammy-nominated musician was struck and killed in Rhode Island by a driver with an extensive criminal history including more than 100 prior arrests, police said.
The Hopkinton Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash on Spring Street on December 6 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian who had been walking his dogs.
Officers identified the driver as Shannon N. Godbout, 41, who investigators believe exited her lane and struck several objects including two telephone poles before hitting the pedestrian. The sequence of collisions suggests loss of vehicle control that preceded striking the victim.
The victim was identified as Roderick Macleod, 70, a respected musician who received a Grammy nomination as a member of Roomful of Blues in the 1980s. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Macleod was also inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Roomful of Blues, recognizing his decades-long contribution to the state’s musical heritage. His death represents a significant loss to the regional arts community.
Authorities said Godbout was in possession of multiple illegal narcotics and packaging materials typically associated with drug distribution when arrested at the scene. She was transported to Westerly Hospital by Ashaway Ambulance for medical evaluation.
Godbout faces preliminary charges of driving to endanger resulting in death, as well as possession of Schedule I and II narcotics with intent to distribute. The drug charge represents a third or subsequent offense under state law, carrying enhanced penalties.
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. Prosecutors noted she is currently serving suspended sentences or probation from prior cases, adding legal complications to the new charges.
Police revealed that Godbout has an extensive criminal history that includes more than 100 arrests. Eight of those arrests were by the Hopkinton Police Department specifically, indicating repeated encounters with local law enforcement.
Records show 82 previously issued court warrants and 40 traffic citations against Godbout, seven of those citations from Hopkinton Police. This history suggests chronic non-compliance with court orders and traffic laws spanning considerable time.
Additional charges may be filed as investigators continue examining evidence and circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Macleod’s family during this difficult time following this tragic incident,” police said in a statement posted to social media.
The Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Specialists will analyze physical evidence, vehicle damage, road conditions, and other factors to determine precisely how the crash occurred.
Godbout remains in police custody at Rhode Island Hospital while receiving necessary medical treatment. Her medical condition has not been disclosed.
The Hopkinton Police Department is coordinating with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office to address probation violations in addition to new charges. Both agencies will review all evidence to determine which charges to file at her District Court arraignment.
The case highlights persistent challenges in the criminal justice system when individuals with extensive arrest records continue committing offenses while under court supervision. Godbout’s history of suspended sentences and probation suggests previous attempts at community-based corrections failed to prevent further criminal behavior.
The 100-plus arrests over Godbout’s lifetime indicate involvement with law enforcement dating back years or potentially decades. Such extensive criminal contact typically involves combinations of misdemeanors and felonies across various offense categories.
The 82 outstanding warrants demonstrate repeated failures to appear for court proceedings or comply with legal summons. Warrants accumulate when defendants miss court dates, violate probation terms, or ignore citations requiring court appearances.
Traffic citations numbering 40 suggest a pattern of motor vehicle violations that may have included speeding, reckless driving, operating without valid licenses, or other infractions. Seven citations specifically from Hopkinton Police indicate recurring problems in this jurisdiction.
The fact that Godbout was serving suspended sentences or probation when the fatal crash occurred creates severe legal consequences beyond the immediate charges. Courts typically revoke probation and activate suspended sentences when defendants commit new crimes while under supervision.
The drug possession with intent to distribute charge, combined with packaging materials, suggests active involvement in narcotics distribution rather than simple possession for personal use. The third or subsequent offense designation indicates at least two prior convictions for similar drug crimes.
Driving to endanger resulting in death represents one of the most serious motor vehicle offenses under Rhode Island law. Prosecutors must prove that the defendant’s driving created substantial and unjustifiable risk to others and directly caused the victim’s death.
Macleod’s pedestrian status, walking his dogs on a residential street, underscores the vulnerability of people on foot to dangerous driving. Unlike vehicle occupants protected by safety systems, pedestrians have no protection when struck.
Roomful of Blues, the band through which Macleod achieved Grammy recognition, has maintained a respected position in American blues music for decades. The group’s Grammy nomination in the 1980s represented significant national recognition for Rhode Island musicians.
The 2012 Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame induction honored Macleod’s lasting impact on the state’s musical culture. Such honors typically recognize career-long dedication to artistic excellence and community contribution.
The loss of a Grammy-nominated artist to an allegedly impaired driver with a lengthy criminal history raises questions about how individuals with such extensive records remain able to drive and commit new offenses while supposedly under court supervision.
