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DPD Officer Enters No Contest Plea in Death of Attorney Cliff Woodards
On February 8, 2021, at approximately 12:57 a.m., Officer Funderburg was on duty with another officer traveling east on I-96 Freeway with emergency lights and siren activated in response to an officer needing assistance. When the defendant exited the freeway onto the service drive, it is alleged that she was driving at a high rate of speed when she disregarded a red signal at the intersection of West Chicago Road and Jeffries Service Drive before fatally striking Mr. Woodards' vehicle. Medics arrived on scene and transported Mr. Woodards to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Teaira Iris Funderburg was charged with one count of Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and one count of Willful Neglect of Duty, a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in jail. *
Today, the defendant pled no contest to Willful Neglect of Duty. Count one, Involuntary Manslaughter will be dismissed at sentencing. The defendant has agreed to resign her MCOLES certification, serve one year of probation, complete 100 hours community service, and any additional terms, fines, and costs the Court may impose. She will be sentenced on September 30, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., before Judge Shannon Walker.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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