The chilling case of a student who murdered her fiancé by deliberately driving into him is set to be explored in a groundbreaking new documentary series. This true crime investigation delves deep into the tragic events surrounding the death of Ryan Watson.
The 10-part series meticulously covers the shocking actions of Alice Wood, who brutally murdered her 24-year-old fiancé in Cheshire in May 2022. Using her Ford Fiesta as a deadly weapon, Wood’s deliberate act sent shockwaves through the community, marking a devastating end to a young life.
Key to the prosecution’s case was compelling CCTV footage that captured the horrific moment the drink-driving assailant mowed down her fiancé with her car. This occurred after an earlier dispute at a birthday party in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, where Wood had accused Ryan Watson of flirting with another individual.
The highly anticipated documentary series is expected to feature exclusive interviews with the families and friends of both the perpetrator and the victim, offering deeply personal insights into the lives affected by this tragedy. Investigators, legal professionals, and witnesses will also provide their perspectives, enriching the narrative of the complex murder case.
Alice Wood, a student with a postgraduate place at Cambridge and described as ‘very clever,’ was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2024. A jury decisively rejected her defense claim that the incident was merely a ‘tragic accident,’ highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime. She was ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years before being eligible for parole.
The events leading up to the fatal incident began after Wood had driven the couple home in Ryan’s car. What followed was a volatile escalation, as she then entered her own Ford Fiesta. Neighbors vividly recalled hearing loud shouting, doors slamming, and the distinctive sound of a car engine revving intensely before the fatal impact.
This harrowing criminal justice outcome underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked jealousy and rage. The extensive investigation and subsequent trial brought to light the dark complexities of the relationship, culminating in a stark reminder of the fragile line between passion and peril.
Ryan Watson’s family expressed profound grief and loss following the verdict. “He was taken from us far too soon,” they stated, emphasizing that he was a promising 24-year-old with his whole life ahead. His burgeoning career working for the charity Headway, where he passionately helped others, was tragically cut short, leaving an irreplaceable void.
