Charges dismissed in death of Francesca Guill

Published 8:00 am Thursday, March 9, 2023

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CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – A 22-year-old Prospect woman will not face charges in connection with the death of Francesca Guill. Prosecutors dismissed the case after a court hearing on Friday, March 3.

According to court documents, Amyah S. Perkins was in Charlotte County District Court on Friday, March 3, facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs (DUI), DUI manslaughter and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Those charges had been connected to the June 13, 2022 death of 56-year-old Drakes Branch resident Francesca Guill, who prosecutors said was killed after Perkins allegedly struck her with a car.

But all of those charges were nolle prossed during the March 3 hearing. The legal term nolle prosequi is Latin, it means “will no longer prosecute” and is basically the same thing as a dismissal of charges by the prosecution.

Court documents further show that on Dec. 9, an agreement was reached between the prosecution and the defense in the case. However, records did not indicate what the agreement was.

Guill was tragically killed after being struck while out for an evening walk.

According to Virginia State Police (VSP), a 2013 Dodge Dart driven by Perkins was traveling on Oak Hill Road when it struck Guill walking against traffic on the right edge of the highway.

Guill, an Administrative Secretary to the Principal of Randolph-Henry High School, Erin Davis, was known to be helpful to all those she met as well as a talented artist.

“Franca was a beautiful person both inside and out,” Davis said. “She was kind to everyone who walked through the doors of Randolph-Henry. Every guest, parent, student, and staff member was greeted professionally with a spirit of helpfulness.”