On January 9, 2025, Dothan Police Investigators identified and arrested George Shelby Rice (57) of Dothan in connection with the death of Dr. Gaddis. Rice, identified through video surveillance and witness statements, was driving his vehicle northbound on Honeysuckle Road. Dr. Gaddis, who was in the roadway retrieving property that had fallen from his vehicle, was struck by Rice’s vehicle which was seen on surveillance camera just before and after Dr. Gaddis was struck. Officers, after identifying Rice as a potential suspect, went to Rice’s residence where his vehicle was found at the residence with damage consistent with striking a pedestrian. The vehicle is being forensically examined for physical evidence that will be sent for analysis.
Evidence suggests that Rice was aware that he had struck a person in the roadway and had consumed alcohol that evening. Rice’s reckless conduct is the direct cause of the death of Dr. Gaddis. Rice has been charged with one count of Murder and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries or Death. Rice was placed in the Houston County Jail with no bond. Rice was on bond for a previous crash in which he left the scene after hitting two pedestrians on Murphy Mill Road in August 2024. The Houston County District Attorney’s Office has filed a revocation for that bond.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Dr. Gaddis’ friends and family during this time. Hopefully this arrest will help them begin to heal from this terrible tragedy.
-William E. Benny, Chief of Police
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