Pearl Woman Sentenced to 37 months in Prison and Over $590,000 in Restitution for Manslaughter on the Natchez Trace

Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay over $590,000 in restitution for involuntary manslaughter on the Natchez Trace Parkway, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.

According to court documents, Jill L. Godbold, 43, was driving while intoxicated on the Natchez Trace Parkway in August of 2019 when she crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head on.  The driver of that vehicle was killed because of injuries sustained in the crash.  The victim was a nurse and mother of two children. 

Godbold pled guilty on September 14, 2021, to involuntary manslaughter.

The case was investigated by the National Park Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay B. Baldwin prosecuted the case.