Roderick “Rory” MacLeod, 70, was hit while walking his dogs on a Hopkinton roadside, authorities said.
HOPKINTON, RI — A Grammy-nominated bassist was struck and killed Saturday morning on a village street, and police say the motorist accused in the crash has more than 100 prior arrests. The victim, Roderick “Rory” MacLeod, 70, died at Rhode Island Hospital after he was hit on Spring Street in the Hope Valley section of town. The driver, identified as Shannon N. Godbout, 41, was taken into custody at the scene and remains hospitalized under guard.
Police say the case stands out for two reasons: MacLeod’s stature in New England music circles and the suspect’s lengthy criminal record. Investigators allege Godbout left her lane, hit roadside objects and then struck MacLeod as he walked his dogs along the shoulder. Detectives also say they found illegal narcotics and packaging materials in her vehicle, leading to additional drug charges. The crash has drawn scrutiny from state and local officials, who are reviewing the timeline of Godbout’s previous arrests and court history as they consider further charges in MacLeod’s death. State police reconstruction specialists are assisting Hopkinton police as the investigation moves forward.
Officers were called to the area near 42 Spring Street after reports of a single-vehicle crash involving utility poles and a pedestrian. Police say the eastbound SUV left its lane, struck two telephone poles and continued forward before hitting MacLeod on the roadside. First responders provided medical aid; MacLeod was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One of his dogs returned home, police said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. MacLeod’s family during this difficult time,” the department said in a statement. Godbout was arrested at the scene and taken for medical evaluation. She remained in custody at a hospital as detectives collected debris, measured skid marks and interviewed witnesses.
Authorities say Godbout’s criminal history includes more than 100 arrests, eight of them by Hopkinton police, along with 82 previously issued court warrants and 40 traffic citations. Investigators also allege she possessed Schedule I/II narcotics and materials commonly used for distribution when the crash occurred. She faces counts of driving to endanger resulting in death and drug possession with intent to distribute, a third or subsequent offense. Additional counts are possible once the state crash reconstruction and any laboratory testing are complete, police said. Officials have not publicly detailed her most recent court status beyond noting suspended sentences and probation in earlier cases; they say she will be presented to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as a criminal violator tied to those prior matters.
MacLeod was a longtime figure in the region’s blues and roots scene. In the 1980s he played bass with Roomful of Blues, earning a Grammy nomination as part of the band’s collaboration with New Orleans legend Earl King on the album “Glazed.” He later performed and recorded with artists including Duke Robillard and Paul Geremia and was honored by the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Friends described him as a steady presence in clubs and classrooms alike, where he taught guitar, banjo and upright bass. News of his death quickly circulated among musicians who credited him with mentoring younger players and keeping the state’s blues tradition in front of new audiences.
Police have not released toxicology results, and investigators have not said how fast the SUV was traveling before the collision. The department said state police are conducting the technical reconstruction while Hopkinton detectives review surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and work to map debris fields. Utility crews spent hours replacing the broken poles and restringing lines on Spring Street, a two-lane road bordered by homes and low stone walls. Officers marked gouges in the pavement and the edge of the shoulder where they say the SUV left the lane.
Godbout is expected to appear before a Justice of the Peace once doctors clear her for transport, according to police. After that, prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Office will review reports and witness statements to determine the full slate of charges to bring at District Court. Police also plan to present her as a probation violator in earlier cases. Investigators say they will release the crash reconstruction report when it is complete. No date has been set for a formal arraignment. For now, officers are asking anyone who drove through Spring Street near the time of the crash to contact detectives if they have dash-camera footage.
Neighbors in the Hope Valley village described a chaotic scene as sirens converged on the narrow road. A bouquet of flowers appeared on the shoulder by nightfall. “Rory was the kind of person who always had time for a young player,” said a guitarist who knew him from local jam sessions. The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame called MacLeod “a guiding light in the roots music community,” while Roomful of Blues offered condolences and praised his “diverse musical contributions” and gentle manner. Outside the hospital where police guarded the suspect, officers declined to discuss her medical condition but said detectives would seek additional warrants if new evidence emerges.
As of Wednesday, police say the investigation is active and additional charges are possible once reconstruction findings and lab work are completed. Officials said scheduling for Godbout’s initial court appearance will be announced after she is discharged from the hospital.
Author note: Last updated December 10, 2025.