Woman Sentenced for Fatal Clarksville Crash
Maleah Alyssa Ferguson Ridley received 18 years in prison for a head-on collision that killed an officer.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Crime — General
Maleah Alyssa Ferguson Ridley was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide by intoxication. The crash occurred on December 19, 2025, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Latrice Dodson.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process following the December 2025 fatality that claimed the life of an officer who had only recently joined the force. The case highlights the severe legal consequences and restitution requirements for vehicular homicide.
Maleah Alyssa Ferguson Ridley received an 18-year sentence for aggravated vehicular homicide and two-year sentences for vehicular assault. The court mandate requires 100% of the sentence to be served without the possibility of parole.
The players
Maleah Alyssa Ferguson Ridley
The 25-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide.
Latrice Dodson
The 46-year-old victim who was an officer with the Clarksville Police Department.
Clarksville Police Department
The local law enforcement agency where the victim was employed.
The details
On December 19, 2025, Ridley was involved in a head-on crash on the 101st Airborne Division Parkway after her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. Beyond the prison term, Ridley was ordered to pay $15,900 in child support restitution over 53 months.
Timeline
August 2025: Latrice Dodson began her service with the Clarksville Police Department.
December 19, 2025: The head-on vehicle crash occurred on 101st Airborne Division Parkway.
October 2026: Ridley entered a plea agreement and her sentencing records were finalized.
Legal Context
This case adheres to Tennessee 100% sentence service statutes for vehicular homicide, which mandate that offenders serve their full prison terms without parole. The sentencing reflects a growing trend in state jurisdictions to prioritize non-parolable sentences for impaired driving fatalities.
The finalization of this sentence closes a high-profile case involving a local officer on the 101st Airborne Division Parkway. Residents should remain aware that the court has ordered the defendant to pay child support restitution over the next 53 months.
The takeaway
This case underscores the permanent impact of impaired driving on local families and the public safety workforce. Drivers are reminded that state law strictly mandates full imprisonment for vehicular homicide convictions.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement reports, visit Crime — General.
