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A Rhode Island woman with an extensive criminal history, reportedly over 100 prior arrests, has been charged after her vehicle struck and killed a well-known local musician last weekend.
On Saturday morning, Roderick Macleod, 70, was walking his dogs on the shoulder of Route 138 in Hopkinton when he was hit by an SUV. Macleod, a Richmond resident and a Grammy-nominated musician who was a member of the band Roomful of Blues in the 1980s, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver, Shannon Godbout, 41, of Rhode Island, reportedly drove out of her travel lane, striking multiple objects before hitting Macleod. She was found at the scene by police.
Godbout was arrested and is facing charges that include driving to endanger resulting in death and possession of drugs with intent to distribute, as police discovered illegal drugs and drug distribution materials at the crash site.
Authorities revealed that before this fatal crash, Godbout had been arrested 102 times and issued 40 citations across numerous Rhode Island cities and towns. A review of her court records showed that most of her prior criminal cases ended with suspended sentences and pleas of “no contest,” meaning she largely avoided serving time in prison. She had also been court-ordered into substance abuse counseling seven times.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Macleod’s family during this difficult time following this tragic incident,” Hopkinton police stated.
Additional charges are still possible, police said.
