Muscle Shoals Man Indicted for Reckless Murder in Fatal Hwy 20 Crash

Muscle Shoals Man Indicted for Reckless Murder in Fatal Hwy 20 Crash

Muscle Shoals, Ala. — A man from Muscle Shoals has been indicted on serious charges following a deadly crash on Alabama Highway 20 that claimed the life of a passenger. The case has drawn attention due to the combination of high speed, alleged substance impairment, and the tragic loss of life.

What Happened: The Crash

On July 31, 2025, a two-vehicle collision occurred on Alabama Highway 20, about a mile east of Leighton in Colbert County. According to crash reports, David A. Drumgood, 37, of Muscle Shoals, was driving a 2025 Lincoln Corsair with Keddra C. Ingram, 38, as his passenger. 

During the incident, Drumgood’s vehicle collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer, a 2018 Freightliner, driven by Willie M. Johnson Jr.  Ingram was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.  The crash site was reported to be near mile marker 36 on AL-20. 

Charges & Indictment

In November 2025, a grand jury indicted Drumgood on reckless murder and driving under the influence (DUI).  According to court documents, he was allegedly driving 108 mph in a 65 mph zone, more than 40 mph over the speed limit, at the time of the crash — and under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. 

Pre-Trial Developments

• Bond Denied: Drumgood is being held without bond. Authorities argued that “no conditions” could ensure public safety if he were released.  
• Investigation by ALEA: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is leading the investigation into the crash.  
• Fatal Conditions: Reports note that at the time of the accident, weather conditions were poor, and the speed was especially hazardous in those circumstances.  

The Victim: Keddra Ingram

Keddra C. Ingram, 38, was from Muscle Shoals. She was riding as a passenger when the crash happened.  Her death was confirmed at the scene.  Her loss has added a deeply personal dimension to the case, highlighting not only the legal and criminal issues, but also the human cost of the crash.

Legal Significance

• Reckless Murder: This is a very serious felony charge. In Alabama, reckless murder generally involves a person causing the death of another by engaging in conduct that shows a “depraved mind” without regard for human life. The prosecution will need to prove that Drumgood’s behavior was not just negligent, but recklessly dangerous.
• DUI Factors: The indictment’s inclusion of substance use underscores that the prosecution believes impairment played a key role in how the crash occurred—speed plus impairment makes this case particularly grave.
• Precedent & Community Impact: Fatal highway crashes involving impairment are a significant issue in Alabama and elsewhere, and cases like this one often serve as cautionary tales. They also bring up questions about road safety, enforcement of DUI laws, and the responsibility of motorists.

Potential Defenses

While Drumgood’s indictment is serious, there are potential defenses that his legal team might raise:

1. Challenge to Speed Evidence: They may question how the speed was measured or documented, or argue that the figure (108 mph) is not accurate.
2. Impairment Contestation: He could argue that the substances in his system did not impair his driving to the extent the prosecution claims, or that testing procedures were flawed.
3. Accident Factors: Given the mention of poor weather, defense might argue that environmental conditions contributed heavily to the crash, and that it wasn’t purely reckless driving.
4. Mitigating Circumstances: Depending on Drumgood’s background, his attorneys might present mitigating factors (e.g., lack of prior criminal record, stressors) to reduce sentencing, even if convicted.