Key Takeaways
- Shannon Marie Hampton received a 22-year sentence, with 12 years to be served in prison for a DUI crash that severely injured teacher Hannah Nabors.
- After her prison term, Hampton can enter a rehab program; failure to complete it may add 3 more years to her sentence.
- The crash occurred when Hampton hit a vehicle, causing it to collide with Nabors’ car, resulting in significant injuries and amputation.
- Nabors, driving with her son, faced a painful recovery and long-term effects from the accident.
A Floyd County judge sentenced Shannon Marie Hampton to 22 years with 12 to be served in prison for a February 24 crash that left Armuchee Elementary teacher Hannah Nabors without her left leg. Hampton pleaded guilty to felony serious injury by vehicle.
The sentence at a glance:
- Total sentence: 22 years
- Time to serve in prison: 12 years
- After prison: chance to complete a rehab program
- If rehab isn’t completed: 3 additional years in custody
What the court decided: Hampton entered an open plea, waiving a trial. In Thursday’s hearing, the judge reviewed Hampton’s history, noting six prior arrests related to meth and multiple attempts at treatment. The court framed the sentence as a response to both public safety and Hampton’s past refusals to stay in rehab, while still leaving a path to treatment after incarceration.
How the crash happened: Prosecutors said Hampton clipped a vehicle preparing to turn into Ole Tymer BBQ, pushing that car into the path of Nabors’ vehicle. The impact left Nabors trapped for more than two hours before first responders could free her.
What Nabors endured: Nabors was driving with her young son when the collision set off a chain reaction — her vehicle hit an oncoming car, flipped multiple times, and came to rest against a utility pole. She was airlifted to Atlanta, where surgeons amputated her left leg. Recovery meant weeks in a wheelchair, a long delay before driving again, and ongoing anxiety about having passengers. In court, she described being permanently changed by the crash.
What’s next: Hampton begins serving the 12-year prison term. After release, completing a rehabilitation program could determine whether she avoids an additional three years behind bars.
