Couple Sentenced in West Georgia Landmark Fentanyl Overdose Case

On November 3, 2025, in the West Georgia Judicial Circuit, Stacy Demont Dobbs and Brittany Shambria Ridley were sentenced for their roles in the 2024 fentanyl overdose death of 29-year-old Shelby “Clint” Houpe in Villa Rica, Georgia. This case is one of the first in the state prosecuted under the recently enacted “Austin’s Law” (Senate Bill 465), which classifies causing a death from fentanyl distribution as aggravated involuntary manslaughter, a felony carrying 10 to 30 years or life in prison, even when there was no intent to kill.

According to prosecutors, law enforcement responded to Tanner Hospital on May 28, 2024, after Houpe suffered a fatal overdose. An investigation revealed text message communications between Houpe and Ridley, indicating that Houpe had $100 to spend. Ridley admitted to selling fentanyl to Houpe, which she obtained from Dobbs. Surveillance footage from Paradise Apartments showed Ridley and Dobbs meeting and exchanging a hand-to-hand package, followed shortly by Ridley meeting Houpe to sell the fentanyl.

Stacy Dobbs entered a negotiated plea and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with the first 20 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections, for one count of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Brittany Ridley entered a non-negotiated plea and received 30 years, with the first 12 years to be served in prison, for one count of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The investigation was led by the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Unit, comprised of officers and deputies from the Carrollton Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. District Attorney Sarah Stimac Japour praised the investigative team for building a thorough case, noting that their work ensured justice for Houpe’s family under the new law designed specifically to address the rise in fentanyl-related deaths.

This case highlights Georgia’s increased focus on holding drug distributors accountable for overdose deaths, even when the fatality was unintentional, signaling a major step in the state’s efforts to combat the opioid and fentanyl crisis.