Muscle Shoals Man Charged With Manslaughter In June 17 Traffic Accident

MUSCLE SHOALS-On June 17, 2025, a Warrant of Arrest was obtained for Frederic Jason Rider, 19, of Muscle Shoals, for the charge of Manslaughter. Rider, has been the center of a traffic homicide investigation for his involvement in a traffic collision that caused the death of Trennon Wade Putnam, 58, of Florence, AL.

At approximately 6:25a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Muscle Shoals Police Officers were called to the scene of a traffic accident, just south of the railroad overpass on Wilson Dam Rd. MSPD Officers arrived on scene, assessed the severity of the accident, and notified the Muscle Shoals Police Department Traffic Homicide Investigators (THI).

MSPD THI determined the following that day: Federic Jason Rider was traveling northbound on Wilson Dam Rd when the 2017 Dodge Journey SXT he was driving collided with a 2018 Ford Mustang GT that was driven by Trennon Putnam, 58 of Florence. Both vehicles were then struck by a 2019 Freight-liner. Rider was taken to Huntsville Hospital for his injuries and listed as critical. 58yr old Putnam, was pronounced deceased on the scene by Colbert County Coroner, Justin Gasque. Others involved were treated by Fire and Medical personnel on scene.

The Warrant of Arrest for Rider was obtained by the Muscle Shoals Traffic Homicide Investigators after determining Rider’s excessive speed, combined with blood test results showing Rider to be under the influence of various controlled substances, were all contributing factors at the time of the collision. Rider was transported to the Colbert County Jail where he was booked and released on a $50,000 bond. All subjects charged in such cases are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Muscle Shoals Police Department will continue to extend our thoughts and prayers for all the victims, as well as their families, involved in this tragic accident.