NORFOLK, Va. — The Chesapeake woman wanted for her alleged role in a deadly tunnel crash in December has turned herself in, Virginia State Police (VSP) said.
Dominique C. Goodwin was taken into custody at the Norfolk Police Department Police Operations Center Monday shortly after 10:45 a.m. She was charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
Goodwin was wanted for the December 30th deadly crash in the Downtown Tunnel that left Shelby Riddick Walker, better known as Lexus "Lex" Walker, dead. Goodwin was accused of driving the wrong way in the Downtown Tunnel while intoxicated.
"Part of it is a relief that Dominique did what was right by turning herself in. The part that still hurts is my best friend is still gone," said Albert Jackson, a friend of Walker's.
Walker was known as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. 37th & Zen in Norfolk and the SouthEastern Transgender Resource Center honored Walker in two separate events earlier this month.
Jackson and Walker performed together many times over the last 15 years.
"Lex and I learned we love everybody for who they are. We’re gonna love you unconditionally," he said.
Brendan Mulligan, General Manager of 37th and Zen, told 13News Now over the phone he is thankful Goodwin turned herself in. However, he says he’s frustrated by how long it took to get her custody. He said he wonders how long it would’ve taken had she not surrendered to the police herself.
Goodwin suffered serious injuries in the crash. Because of that, she spent time in the hospital. Doctors released Goodwin from the hospital before troopers could serve her a warrant for her arrest.
Jackson said if there’s one thing he hopes people take away from the accident itself, it’s this:
"If you’re gonna drink, don’t drive."
Goodwin is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning for the first time, and Jackson said he hopes justice is served.
"I pray and instill in Dominique: pray for forgiveness, pray for clarity, but understand that there are consequences that come from your actions."