HOPKINTON, R.I. — A tragic early Saturday morning crash just after 7:20 a.m. in Hope Valley has taken the life of a beloved Rhode Island musician and led to serious criminal charges against the driver involved.
Police say a vehicle traveling eastbound on Spring Street (Route 138) left its lane just after 7:21 a.m. on December 6, striking multiple objects, including two telephone poles, before hitting a pedestrian who was walking his dog along the shoulder of the roadway.
The victim, 70-year-old Roderick MacLeod of Richmond, was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
MacLeod was a well-known figure in Rhode Island’s music scene and gained national recognition in the 1980s as a Grammy-nominated member of Roomful of Blues.
The dog survived the crash and was able to make its way home on its own, according to officials.
The driver, 41-year-old Shannon N. Godbout of Hopkinton, was arrested at the scene after officers reportedly discovered a large quantity of illegal narcotics and drug-packaging materials inside the vehicle.
Police say Godbout is now facing preliminary charges of:
• Driving to endanger resulting in death
• Possession of Schedule I/II narcotics with intent to distribute (third offense or greater)
Authorities also confirmed she will be scheduled to appear before a Justice of the Peace and will be presented to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as a criminal violator for multiple past cases tied to suspended sentences and probation.
Hopkinton Police also released details of Godbout’s extensive criminal history, which includes:
• Over 100 prior arrests, including 8 in Hopkinton
• 82 court warrants previously issued
• 40 traffic citations, 7 of them from Hopkinton Police
The crash remains under active investigation with assistance from the Rhode Island State Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Officials say additional charges may still be filed as the case develops.
Our thoughts remain with the MacLeod family, friends, and the entire Rhode Island music community during this heartbreaking loss.
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