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September 25, 2009

Goodwin gets 20 years for role in fatal crash

By TRAVINA COLEMAN



A 22-year-old Sallisaw man was sentenced to 20 years Wednesday afternoon, following his conviction for first-degree manslaughter.

Jacob Wayne Goodwin’s face was blank as District Judge Mike Norman handed down the sentence.

The jury panel also found Goodwin guilty of possession of a stolen vehicle, DUI, and possession of alcohol by a person under 21.

Jurors recommended a 20-year term on the manslaughter conviction. Year-long sentences were recommended on the possession of stolen vehicle and DUI charges.

The jury also asked for fines totaling $5,000.

“I am going to uphold the jury’s recommendation,” Norman said.

Gasps were heard in the courtroom, as members of Goodwin’s support group registered their shock.

Goodwin was seriously injured in the Feb. 2, 2007, crash that killed Jorge Espinoza Ayala.

Goodwin will do 85 percent of the 20-year sentence with the second and third counts to run concurrently.

Norman also told Goodwin he had the right to appeal.

Goodwin, who was 20 at the time, was driving a Ford pickup stolen from Tahlequah Police Officer David Craig when the fatal crash took place on South Muskogee Avenue.

Goodwin has been wearing an ankle monitor since his June 10 conviction on the charges.

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