Norfolk Woman Gets 12-Year Sentence for DUI Manslaughter in Tunnel Crash [NORFOLK, VA]

A woman was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison following a fatal wrong-way crash that took the life of an innocent driver. The incident, which has been categorized as DUI Manslaughter in Tunnel Crash, involved 27-year-old Dominique Chi’qura Goodwin, who pleaded guilty to aggravated involuntary vehicular manslaughter.

On the night of December 30, 2023, Goodwin was driving her vehicle under the influence of alcohol. She made a fateful mistake by turning onto Bart Street, a one-way westbound road and off-ramp from Interstate 264, in the wrong direction.

According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Goodwin continued to drive eastward, ignoring traffic signs and warnings, until she entered the Downtown Tunnel. It was halfway through the tunnel that her vehicle violently collided with the car driven by Shelby Riddick-Walker, an inspiring community figure known for her mentorship to many in the trans community.

Sadly, Riddick-Walker did not survive the impact. The collision was so severe that she died instantly upon impact. The news of her death sent shockwaves through the community, as Riddick-Walker was a beloved figure whose advocacy and support had touched the lives of many.

“Dominique Goodwin made the decision to drink hard and drive. Ms. Goodwin killed Shelby Riddick-Walker, a beloved mentor to many in the trans community,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Shelby did nothing to deserve her death, and we lost the light of her work too soon.”

As a result of her actions, Goodwin was sentenced to 12 years and four months in prison, with an additional seven years and eight months suspended. She will also be required to forfeit her driver’s license, maintain good behavior for five years, and complete three years of supervised probation upon her release.

Compensation at Stake for Victims in DUI Manslaughter Cases

In cases like this DUI Manslaughter in Tunnel Crash, the legal consequences for the at-fault party are significant, but it’s important to remember that the victims and their families also have rights. Shelby Riddick-Walker’s family may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and financial burdens placed upon them due to her untimely death. This compensation can cover a range of damages, including funeral costs, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

In wrongful death cases stemming from DUI accidents, victims’ families can pursue civil claims in addition to the criminal charges faced by the responsible driver. These claims provide a means of holding the at-fault party accountable financially and ensuring that the family has the support they need to cope with the devastating loss. Compensation can help alleviate the heavy financial strain placed on families during these difficult times.

How Breit Law Attorneys Can Help

At Breit Law, we understand the pain and trauma families endure in the aftermath of fatal accidents like this one. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims’ families navigate the complex legal process and seek the compensation they deserve. We work diligently to investigate the circumstances of each case, gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong claim. Our priority is to ensure that our clients receive justice and the financial support they need to move forward after such a tragedy.

It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, and online chat.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.

Source: WTKR