(RCNS) – An Emporia man pleaded no contest to charges of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday and was sentenced by Richmond Circuit  Judge Bradley B. Cavedo to over 10 years in prison for the death of a VCU student in a car crash last May.

The man, 28-year-old Davonte Ridley, also pleaded no contest to eluding police and possession of cocaine with intent to sell. Ridley was sentenced to an additional 5 years in prison for the crime.

On May 5, 2024,  Ridley killed Meredith Norris, a 28-year-old VCU student from Pennsylvania, after running through a red light hitting two cars, and then eluding Richmond police.

At the time of the crash, Ridley had a pending probation violation in another jurisdiction, according to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Nathan Hittle. Hittle was one of the prosecutors on the case and attorney Christine Cestaro’s co-counsel. 

Ridley was sentenced to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter, five years eluding, 10 years for cocaine possession with intent to sell, but will only be incarcerated for 13 active years, as the sentences run consecutively.

In addition, Ridley will have his license revoked and is not allowed to make contact with any of the victims or the family members of Norris.      

“We’re happy that we reached the outcome we reached. These cases are always difficult because it is hard to come out with any outcome that feels just for the victim’s family,” Hittle said. 

Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on May 5 of last year, the Richmond Police Department responded to a three-vehicle collision in the 3600 block of Chamberlayne Avenue near West Laburnum Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a damaged vehicle in the right northbound travel lane with three occupants inside, one of them being Norris.

Ridley hit two cars, rear-ending Norris. She was then brought to a local hospital where she died from injuries sustained in the wreck. The two other passengers in Norris’ car were also injured. 

“These types of cases are unique and especially tragic because the victims in the case are as innocent as any,” Hittle said.