A 23-year-old philosophy student from Manchester University, Alice Wood, has been convicted of the murder of her 24-year-old fiancé, Ryan Watson.
The conviction followed a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court in Cheshire, England, where Wood was found guilty of deliberately driving her Ford Fiesta into Watson, causing his fatal injuries.
The incident, which occurred on May 6, 2022, near the couple’s home in Rode Heath, Cheshire, escalated from an argument after a party they attended. Watson was apparently enjoying himself and talking too much to a young woman he knew while Wood was described as cold, and staring at the woman throughout the party. Witnesses reported that the fight developed into a dangerous game of “chicken,” where Wood repeatedly drove at Watson, eventually dragging him for approximately 525 feet under her car.
Surveillance footage played a crucial role in the trial, contradicting Wood’s claim that Watson’s death was a “tragic accident.” The footage showed Wood getting into her car, revving the engine, and reversing towards Watson multiple times before striking him. According to police, Watson was walking away from the car when Wood deliberately drove at him a third time, causing him to become trapped under the vehicle.
Both Wood and Watson had been consuming alcohol prior to the argument. Wood later failed a roadside breath test administered by the police. Paramedics pronounced Watson dead at the scene of the incident. Following her arrest, Wood acknowledged her actions, telling officers, “It’s fine, I deserve it.”
The trial revealed details of the night in question, including neighbors hearing shouting and a car engine revving. CCTV footage captured Wood reversing her car towards Watson and then driving at him twice, the second instance resulting in him being knocked onto the bonnet. The third and fatal collision occurred when Wood hit him again, dragging him under the car.
In a statement, Watson’s family expressed their grief and gratitude for the judicial process. They described the pain of repeatedly watching the CCTV footage showing their son being struck and dragged by the car. They lamented the loss of trust, stating, “The one person Ryan trusted the most is the person who took his life in such a violent way.”
Wood, who was studying philosophy and had been awarded a scholarship for a research master’s at Cambridge University, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict. She has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on January 29, 2023. The judge presiding over the case warned Wood that she may never be released from prison.
This case has drawn significant attention, not only for the brutality of the act but also for the stark contrast between Wood’s academic achievements and the violent nature of her crime.
