COPIAH COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – District Attorney Daniella Shorter Levy announced a verdict was overturned for the woman who was found guilty in connection to the death of Christina Lynn Howard, 49.
Investigators said Charlotte Shedd, 53, hit and dragged Howard with her 2012 Chevy Traverse on March 3, 2022. Howard died from her injuries while in route to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson.
When questioned, investigators said Shedd told police that she did not remember the incident and that she suffered from seizures and had not been taking her seizure medication.
On April 1, 2025, Shedd was found guilty of manslaughter culpable-negligence. She was sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).
On April 21, 2025, Levy said Copiah County Circuit Court Judge Tomika H. Irving overturned the verdict and absolved Shedd of any charges connected to the death of Howard. According to Levy, Shedd is to be released from custody at the direct request of the court.
“It is the duty of my office to ensure the safety and justice of the 22nd District, which includes Copiah County. By mandate, duty and obligation this matter was investigated, prosecuted and tried before a panel of Copiah County citizens who found the Defendant guilty. The Court’s Order has deemed the will of the people meaningless,” said Levy.