Clarkston Woman Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Alleged Highway Incident

Rita G. Brown pleaded not guilty to felony first-degree attempted murder charge, with jury trial set for July.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:05am

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An extreme close-up of a damaged car side mirror, reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violence and confrontation involved in this alleged attempted murder case.A damaged car side mirror reflects the harsh realities of a violent confrontation, raising questions about the escalating tensions between law enforcement and the public.Lewiston Today

A 41-year-old Clarkston woman, Rita G. Brown, has been charged with felony first-degree attempted murder after an alleged incident where a man clung to the hood of her vehicle while she was driving on a highway. Brown pleaded not guilty to the charges and her jury trial is scheduled for July 27.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious nature of alleged crimes involving violence and the use of vehicles as weapons. It also raises questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation, including the reported offer of leniency on drug charges in exchange for information about Brown.

The details

According to court documents, on March 5, deputies followed a red 2012 Chevy Captiva driven by Brown with a man reportedly clinging to the vehicle's hood. The alleged victim claimed he was told he might receive consideration on pending drug possession charges in exchange for information that could lead to Brown's arrest, as she was wanted on a warrant. Brown told authorities that the man struck her in the face and wound up on the hood as she was attempting to get away from him.

  • On March 5, deputies followed Brown's vehicle with a man clinging to the hood.
  • On March 5, Brown was arrested.
  • On April 9, Brown pleaded not guilty to the felony first-degree attempted murder charge.
  • On July 27, Brown's jury trial is scheduled.

The players

Rita G. Brown

A 41-year-old Clarkston woman charged with felony first-degree attempted murder.

Nez Perce County Second District Court

The court where Brown's case is being heard and her jury trial is scheduled.

Judge Mark Monson

The judge who set Brown's jury trial date for July 27.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on July 27 whether or not to convict Rita G. Brown of felony first-degree attempted murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often dangerous situations that can arise when law enforcement attempts to apprehend suspects, as well as the need for thorough investigation and fair judicial proceedings to determine the facts and appropriate charges.