GUILTY IA - Nohema Graber, 66, HS teacher, beaten to death by students, Fairfield, Nov 2021 *arrests

[Seattle1]

Crime & Courts

Crime and courts news, updates from court cases, from local courts, state courts and federal court sentencing. Live updates during trials.

www.thegazette.com

11/14/23

Jeremy Goodale, now 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in April and will be sentenced in a two-day hearing for his part in killing Nohema Graber, Fairfield High School Spanish teacher, over a bad grade on Nov. 2, 2021.

The other teen, Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, 17, also pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced in July to life in prison with a minimum of 35 years to serve before being eligible for parole.

The prosecution will recommend Goodale be sentenced to life with a minimum of 25 years to serve before being eligible for parole.

[..]

Miller planned the killing about 10 days to two weeks before Nov. 2. Miller started asking others to help.

Investigators discovered Miller wanted to study abroad in Spain and needed a good grade in Spanish — the possible motive.

 

[Seattle1]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Fairfield teen Jeremy Goodale's sentencing hearing for the murder of Spanish teacher​

Jeremy Goodale, the second Fairfield teen that pleaded guilty to killing his teacher, is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 15.The two-day sentencing hearing will begin at 9 a.m. each day and will be broadcast live here.Jeremy Goodale and another teen, Willard Miller, pleaded guilty in April to the 2021 attack on Nohema Graber. The 66-year-old teacher was fatally beaten while taking her regular afternoon walk in a park in Fairfield.

 

[Seattle1]

11/14/23 - LIVE HEARING BLOG: DAY 1

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:11 AM
  DCI Special Agent Ryan Kedley: He was contacted on Nov. 3 that Fairfield requested assistance on the missing persons case with Vileta and another investigator. Kedley was assisting agent. He conducted interviews.
  He interviewed John Burnett. He obtained search warrant on his Miller's house and Goodale. He interviewed Miller and Goodale's girlfriend. Both Miller and Goodale were charged following interviews.
  He also conducted proffer interview with Goodale. Goodale agreed to cooperated in prosecution of Goodale. This was done in a juvenile facility in Monrose.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:04 AM
  Allen Cook on cross to Vileta: Goodale was 16 at the time. Goodale's father brought him to police dept. His father got him a lawyer.
  Vileta is excused.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:02 AM
  Vileta: Another person, Goodale's girlfriend, said Goodale was at park with Miller and she saw them walking toward the area where Graber's body was found.
  Goodale described the bat used.
  Autopsy determined Graber died from blunt force trauma to the head.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:00 AM
  Vileta: During Goodale conversation with sister, he says he doesn't regret doing it. This is on Nov. 4, 2021.
  Miller had created a murder list of items they needed. Miller and Goodale conducted surveillance of Graber to find out her daily routine.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:57 AM
  Photos sent from Miller to Burnett snapchat: Clorox - time to hide the body. Another photo of Miller with stocking mask and saying that's the last thing Graber would see. Green tarp, rope and someone holding onto shovel and photo of wheelbarrow.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:54 AM
  Vileta: Snapchats from Burnett explained Graber was killed because of grading issues of Miller. She was Miller's Spanish teacher. Goodale had previously had her but didn't have any grading issues with her.
  Two weeks before the fatal assault, Miller approached Goodale about killing Graber. Goodale also confirmed this.
  Investigators searched Goodale's phone and Snapchat records, which confirmed what Burnett gave them.
  Miller's phone had information that would implicated him in the killing.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:50 AM
  Vileta: Her body was wrapped up in the tarp. Her clothing has been removed.
  She has injury to the back of her head.
  Showing photos of her body.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:48 AM
  Vileta: Her body was well concealed. Blood was found of Graber's in the grass. It's a rocky terrain by the tracks.
  Brown has been showing photos of this area while Vileta is testifying.
  Vileta: This is a area that people wouldn't be walking in. Wheelbarrow, tarp and railroad tie is concealing the body.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:42 AM
  Vileta: He could see massive injury to her head - blunt force trauma. Police knew it was a homicide when they found body. They were looking for a weapon - a baseball bat - which was located in Miller's bedroom. Burnett had told them about the bat.
  Investigators also found blood evidence - large amount of blood at entrance leading down to railroad tracks
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:36 AM
  Vileta: Graber's van was found on Middle Glasgow Road. It was found off the road.
  A lot of video involved in this case from cameras in the area.
  Goodale called another friend to pick up him and Miller out on Glasgow Road shortly after 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:31 AM
  Vileta: Miller at top of list of suspects. John Burnett, friend of Miller and Goodale, came to the police dept., saying he had information. Burnett had screenshots of Snapchat from Goodale that described the murder of Graber. He had received a couple of disturbing chats that he didn't save, until he realized what was going on.
  Burnett's info helped break the investigation - "pretty much everything of the investigation" to help lead police to the suspects.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:26 AM
  Vileta: Goodale and Willard were the suspects in the case. The park is about one mile from each of their residences.
  Authorities had developed suspects who had made threats towards Graber. Miller had made a threat about making her disappear.
  Her body was concealed by a railroad tie and other things.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:23 AM
  Vileta: Fairfield police did the missing persons investigation on Graber. They started search of park and found her body. The park is wooded and fairly large. She was found deep in the woods off the walking trail. She was found off trail by railroad tracks. The body was found at bottom of a deep slope.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:20 AM
  DCI Agent Trent Vileta: Nohema Graber was reported missing Nov. 3 by her husband, Paul Graber. She would go to the park every day at 4 p.m. Investigators knew she had gone to the park that day. There was video located of her leaving school to go to the park.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:11 AM
  Asst. AG Scott Brown: Prosecution will call three witnesses, which are same ones they called in the Miller sentencing.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:10 AM
  The sentencing hearing is expected to go two days. Goodale pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in April. He faces up to life in prison with possibility for parole. Judge Showers will decide if he will be sentenced to a minimum sentence to serve before being eligible for parole. The prosection will recommend a 25 years minimum.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 9:04 AM
  Good morning all. The hearing should get started in a few minutes.
  
  

  Crime & Courts

  Crime and courts news, updates from court cases, from local courts, state courts and federal court sentencing. Live updates during trials.

  www.thegazette.com

 

[Seattle1]

LIVE BLOG - DAY 1 cont.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:16 AM
  Fairfield Police Lt. Julie Kinsella takes the stand: Paul Graber reported Nohema was missing Nov. 2. She didn't show up at work either and hadn't called in.
  Paul Graber was ruled out as suspect. He had alibi and it was confirmed. He also was in a medical boot at the time. He couldn't have walked or carried a body in the wooded area of the park.
  The investigation went from missing to suspicious death when body was discovered.
  About 10 1/2 hours later, Goodale was arrested.
  They developed motive - Miller was flunking Spanish and wanted to go to Spain on exchange program. He was going to kill her and recruited Goodale to assist. Goodale agreed to help him. Goodale and Miller had been friends since elementary school.
  Goodale didn't want to be considered a "pu##y" by not helping.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:09 AM
  We are back.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:51 AM
  Judge Showers calls for 15 minute break.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:51 AM
  Cook on cross: Through his proffer, Goodale provided new info and confirmed other info investigators already had?
  Kedley: Yes.
  Cook: Goodale said plan was improvisation after hitting Graber?
  Kedley: The tools they brought seemed to contradict that. They brouht water and something to disable Graber's phone.
  The initial plan was for Miller to sneak up and strike her with the bat and Goodale was lookout.
  Goodale was cooperating and being honest during the proffer.
  Kedley is excused.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:47 AM
  Kedley: Did Miller just got up behind Graber and hit her?
  Goodale: He snuck up behind her and struck her with the bat. She never saw it coming. She saw Goodale, who was wearing a mask, walking up toward her.
  Miller hit her in the back of the head. Goodale said he should make sure it's done. Miller hits her two more times to back and side area of head.
  He drags her off trailer and when he realizes she wasn't dead, he strikes her with bat five more times.
  End of video
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:41 AM
  Goodale said he went to school the next day and hung out with friends at another friend's house. His dad picked up him and his girlfriend.
  Goodale sent text messages to John Burnett about what he and Miller did to Graber. Next morning he was arrested.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:39 AM
  Goodale met Miller later at midnight to do something with the body. He got a wheelbarrow and shovel and took it back to park. Miller was already there. He was scrubbing blood off the trail. They put her body in wheelbarrow and moved body near railroad tracks.
  They placed body in a tarp. Wheelbarrow was falling apart and decided to place it over body, so it would look like just trash.
  They went to Goodale's house and got drunk. Miller went home and Goodale passed out in his bed.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:34 AM
  Goodale goes over it again at Kedley's request.
  They met at school and followed her to the park. Miller had equipment and they discussed general plan. Goodale was going to be lookout. Miller would walk up behind her and hit her with baseball bat.
  They bumped into her on trail and said Hi. They went to access trail while she was walking around. Miller had bat in his hand. Miller nodded at Goodale when Graber was coming around. Miller hit her a few times. Goodale dragged her off trail and made sure she wasn't alive and struck her with the bat.
  Miller was lookout at this time.
  They dragged her to that wooded area. They got into her van and drove it to Middle Glasgow Road and hid it behind some trees. They started walking and then Goodale called a friend to pick them up. They were dropped off at Chataqua Park. Goodale went home and took a shower. He ate and took a nap - "pretty exhausted after that."
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:26 AM
  Goodale: He had been at park with girlfriend and they were smoking weed.
  On Nov. 2, they planned to hit her with a bat and drag her body off the trail. Miller had all the equipment. Miller said he would walk up behind her and hit her. Goodale said he could be lookout.
  Goodale is pointing out where that attacked Graber. Miller is hiding in tree area and Goodale is farther ahead to be the lookout.
  Miller had screwdriver, hammer and baseball bat.
  They had planned to hide the body. They didn't think her body would be found.
  Miller hit her more than once and then dragged her body. Goodale heard "gurgling" from the body and then he hit her to make sure she was dead.
• Bailey Cichon • 11/14/23 10:24 AM
  This video from Agent Vileta's testimony earlier shows the Snapchat messages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_AvQRuRDO4
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:19 AM
  Goodale in video: He says he was hanging out with friends at skate park on Nov. 1 and remembered he was going to do surveillance with Miller about 2 or 3 p.m. He met Miller at Fairfield High. Miller was inside meeting with Graber. (Video clarity is better.)
  Goodale saw Graber come out and get into van and then he followed her on his bike. Miller already knew she went to park to walk. Miller, also on a bike, follow him to the park.
  He doesn't know if it was that day or next that they bumped into her and said Hi.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 10:12 AM
  They will play the video interview, which has been edited. It's difficult to hear, if it's the same one version they played at Miller's hearing
  
  
  

  Crime & Courts

  Crime and courts news, updates from court cases, from local courts, state courts and federal court sentencing. Live updates during trials.

  www.thegazette.com
  
  

 

[Seattle1]

LIVE BLOG - DAY 1 cont.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:49 PM
  Dean Goodale, Jeremy's dad, takes the stand: Jeremy's siblings - Jacqueline, Camille, Sophia, and Olivia. Jeremy lived with him. Jacqueline also lived with him and Jeremy. Jeremy's mother is Christine. She and Dean are divorced.
  Dean Goodale farms for a living. Christine moved to Colorado when Jeremy was 10. Jeremy and his mother didn't have much of relationship. Her husband was dominating, he says.
  Jeremy went to visit his mother but didn't stay a week as planned.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:41 PM
  Judge is back.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:39 PM
  Goodale just came in.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:38 PM
  The defense will have one or more witnesses to testify this afternoon.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:36 PM
  We haven't resume. It appears they are waiting for Goodale to come back in the courtroom.
• Bailey Cichon • 11/14/23 11:28 AM

• Judge calls for early lunch. Be back at 12:30 p.m.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:26 AM
  Prosecution has no other witnesses, besides victim impact statements.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:25 AM
  Kinsella excused.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:23 AM
  Kinsella: After the killing, police worked with the schools to make sure students had access to mental health services and they ensured it was safe to go back into the park and suspects had been arrested. school was out for 1-1/2 days.
  They worked with schools on safety plan.
  Police are getting more calls if there are threats or a student with behavioral issues.
  This has impacted teachers across the area. That Graber was killed because she gave him a bad grade.
  This impacted community. People were scared, teachers were scared. Everybody suffered some kind of loss as a result of this crime.
  Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 11:17 AM
  Kinsella: Goodale chatted to several gaming buddies about what he and Miller did.
  
  
  
  

  Crime & Courts

  Crime and courts news, updates from court cases, from local courts, state courts and federal court sentencing. Live updates during trials.

  www.thegazette.com
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

[Seattle1]

LIVE BLOG - DAY 1 cont.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:40 PM
  Cunningham: He talked to Goodale on three different dates, interviewed Dean Goodale, Jackie and Sophia.
  Brain development changes during adolescence and affects behavior - engaging in risky behavior.
  Time lapse imaging of brain maturation ages 5 to 20. Development of brain goes from back to front of brain.
  Physical cordination develops early for teens but maturity and weighing of risks and rewards comes later. Impulse control is in the frontal lobe - the last to develop.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:16 PM
  Cunningham: He conducted evaluation of Goodale and prepared a report. He has a powerpoint of details in report to go along with his testimony.
  He evaluated implications of his immaturity and his likelihood to adjust to community - rehabilitaton - when he is released from prison.
  Sentencing issues for psychologist: Mitigation, moral culpability and rehabilitation.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:05 PM
  He is a clinical and forensic psychologist.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:03 PM
  Mark Cunningham, psychologist, takes the stand.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:01 PM
  We are back.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:40 PM
  Judge calls for 15 minute break.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:40 PM
  Jackie: She talks to Jeremy on the phone and will continue to support him while he's in prison.
  She's a LPN.
  She is excused.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:39 PM
  Jackie: Jeremy and her son had a good relationship. Jeremy babysat for her. She worked a 12 hour shift and driving back and forth to Davenport. He was a good uncle.
  She thinks Jeremy views her a mother div. Jeremy drew picture of her and what he thought of her when he was 9. He said she was creative and intelligent. She is going to be a nurse. She's a great cook. Great sister. Always looking after him. He listed her talents and skills.
  Jeremy is tearing up during her testimony.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:34 PM
  Jackie: Her leaving affected Jeremy because she wasn't helping him or seeing him much, except when he was with his dad.
  Jackie reached out to mom after she moved to Colorado, but her mom never responded.
  Jackie moved back in with Jeremy and their dad in August 2021. She cooked for family. She wanted to help Jeremy. Her and Sophia decorated his room. They wanted him to do well in school.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:31 PM
  Jackie: After mom met her boyfriend, changed their lives. He would lock doors at 9:30 p.m. and if they weren't home, they would be locked out. He was controlling and took over running the house. He would choose their meals.
  She and Sophia were kicked out of house. Mom's boyfriend got Sophia fired from her job. Jackie was upset she kicked out Sophia at 16 and then mom kicked out Jackie. They weren't allowed to get her belongings, licenses and passports.
  Jackie went to a friend's and lived in her car until she found new job. She then took a nanny job.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:26 PM
  Jacqueline "Jackie" Goodale, Jeremy's sister, takes the stand: She is 10 years older than Jeremy. Helped care for Jeremy. She watched the other younger siblings.
  She dropped out of school and helped her mom with a restaurant - after parents separation. She made sure all kids were always fed. She helped Jeremy with school work and put him to bed.
  She was in charge of supervision while her mother was out of house. Her mother was lenient. Not much structure.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:18 PM
  Dean Goodale is excused.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:17 PM
  Dean: He couldn't find a local person to work with Jeremy. He didn't find a good fit for Jeremy.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:14 PM
  Dean: Jeremy was struggling in school in 2021. Student of month in April - he had a good month.
  Jeremy had gone to counseling for about 6 months. He was struggling again. He also developed a cough and having physical issues. He received treatment for diet and given supplements. Once a month he was to meet with psychologist. He was watching something on a screen and getting bio feedback.
  His first month visit, the psychologist didn't show up. Dean complained. Jeremy continued with treatment. The psychologist didn't show up for three visits.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:08 PM
  Brown on cross: You mentioned Jeremy spent 10 years in Maharishi school. Were there any behavioral issues?
  Dean Goodale: Maybe minor scuffles. In class with rowdy boys and he was one of them.
  Brown: Did he want to stay in private school?
  Dean: He wasn't against going to public school. He was friends with Miller since he could walk. Jeremy was more of an athlete. Soccer, softball, tennis. When he played tennis at Fairfield he did well - was "shining." If he continued to work at it, had ability to play in college.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:03 PM
  Dean Goodale: He usually talked to Jeremy once a week since he's been in detention. They text.
  He will contiue to support Jeremy.
  When this first happen, he wanted to reach out to the Graber family but was advised by his lawyer not to do that, he's still tearing up. "I'm just so sorry. That's all I can get out."
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 1:01 PM
  Dean Goodale: Jeremy didn't have a driver's license - he didn't feel he was mature enough. He was worried that Jeremy would kill himself.
  Allen Cook asked him to share fond memory - He said he played tennis, camped and fishing with Jeremy. During a field trip to a park and loved nature walks and bird watching. He encouraged his son about bird watching.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 12:57 PM
  Dean Goodale: He sold the farm and then moved into Fairfield. A few months before Jeremy's arrest, Jackie and her son moved in with him and Jeremy. Olivia moved out after graduation in 2019.
  Jeremy was "devastated" by Covid and little social interaction. He moved Jeremy from the Maharishi School to Fairfield High. Jeremy, at 14, wasn't doing well with online classes. His dad was at work. Jeremy usually played videogames. Their father/son relationship was affected because Dean would reprimand him because of it.
  He knew Jeremy was smoking a lot of marijuana, leading up to 2021. He was very emotional and would break down crying and screaming.
  Before his arrest, he was troubled but highly intelligent. In 2021, he was student of the month in April, Dean is tearing up, during his testimony.
  Dean was concerned about his maturity level.
  Live coverage of Jeremy Goodale sentencing

 

[Seattle1]

Crime & Courts

Crime and courts news, updates from court cases, from local courts, state courts and federal court sentencing. Live updates during trials.

www.thegazette.com

Miller planned the killing about 10 days to two weeks before Nov. 2. Miller started asking others to help.

Investigators discovered Miller wanted to study abroad in Spain and needed a good grade in Spanish — the possible motive.

LIVE BLOG - DAY 1 cont.

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 4:19 PM
  Judge is calling it a day. The sentencing hearing will resume 9 a.m. Wednesday.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:54 PM
  Cunningham: Goodale was devastated by abandonment of mother and he needs someone to talk to - a psychologist - but his dad takes him to some place that focuses on diet and supplements. Dean never secures resources for Jeremy.
  Parental neglect included: autonomy, household, hygiene, social engagement, structure, medical care, mental health care, emotional support.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:30 PM
  Cunningham: Goodale functional maturity was delayed because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD places kids at higher risk for learning disability, conduct disorder, anxiety and depression than others that don't have ADHD.
  Goodale has anxiety and depression.
  In childhood, Goodale was getting in trouble at school, poor parent-child communications, lower social competence.
  Psycho-social adversity - family dysfunction in Goodale's background. Mother's leaving and detachment from Goodale and other kids. Jackie became mother div. Marital disfunction. Mom abandoned kids for boyfriend. Father's interpersonal limitations.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:14 PM
  Cunningham: Quality of moral reasoning - having moral code or faith, have empathy, personal ethics sensitivity, recognition of another person's life, consider magnitude of consequences. Those develop with age.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:10 PM
  Cunningham: Goodale doesn't have the ability to consider what will happen if he tells others about the fatal assault.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:06 PM
  Cunningham: Adult brain development isn't achieved until age 25. Goodale was 16 when this happened. Difference from 16 to 25. Better wired brain at 25 and gain impulse control, judgment, delay of gradification, empathy, appreciation of consequences and responsibility.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 3:03 PM
  Cunningham: Teens more vulnerable to negative influences. Another teen doesn't have to be coersive, just their presence can be enough to influence.
  Miller tried to recruit others before Goodale. Miller isn't realizing the implications that those will report him to authorities.
  They want approval of peers and fear rejection. Goodale says he didn't want Miller to view him in negative way, so he goes through with killing.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/14/23 2:55 PM
  Cunningham: Teens are less capable to resist social and emotional impulses.
  The planning of how to carry it out and once it was carried out, they are improvising. They didn't think about ground being too hard to dig and might be problem with confessing to others. Goodale is doing this out of loyalty to a friend and being seen as positive in Miller's eyes.
  Goodale outsourced planning to Miller. He doesn't have to think it through. Its more like 15 minutes of planning and they talk about it over two weeks. An adolescence approach.
  It may be simple to carry out but not simple to avoid arrest.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, November 15th:
*Sentencing Hearing (Day 2 of 2) (@ 9am CT) - IA - Nohema Graber (66), HS teacher, beaten to death by students, Nov. 3, 2021, Fairfield - *Jeremy Everett Goodale (16/now 18) arrested & charged (11/4/21) & arraigned (11/29/21) with 1st degree murder, an A felony & 1st degree conspiracy to commit homicide in, a C felony. They are being charged as adults. Plead not guilty. $1M cash bond.
Trial was set to begin on 5/15/23 but took a plea deal & plead guilty. Sentencing hearing on 11/14/23 & 11/15/23.
Court info from 11/4/21 thru 11/3/23 reference post #299 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...nts-fairfield-nov-2021-arrests.599830/page-15
11/14/23 Update: Sentencing hearing Day 1. Judge Showers will decide if he will be sentenced to a minimum sentence to serve before being eligible for parole. The prosecution will recommend a 25 years minimum.
Asst. AG Scott Brown: Prosecution called three witnesses: DCI Agent Trent Vileta. DCI Special Agent Ryan Kedley. Fairfield Police Lt. Julie Kinsella.
Defense witnesses: Dean Goodale, Jeremy's dad. Jacqueline "Jackie" Goodale, Jeremy's sister. Mark Cunningham, clinical & forensic psychologist.
for more info see posts #303 to 307 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ield-nov-2021-arrests-1-guilty.599830/page-16
Sentencing continues on 11/15/23 @ 9am.
*Willard Noble Chaiden Miller (16/now 18) took a plea deal & plead guilty (4/18/23) to 1st degree murder (4/18/23). Sentencing hearing on 7/6/23 & sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years.

 

[Seattle1]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

11/14 - Law & Crime

 

[Seattle1]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

11/14 - Court TV

 

[texaslb218]

IMHO......Two days of this psych is more and more than enough. I would not bet on any person's life/well-being on this defendant's rehabilitation. He should serve life. No one knows that he will function safely in society. This psych is just a book talking. And, yes, I have a degree in psych. Not a practice but a degree.

 

[acutename]

IMHO......Two days of this psych is more and more than enough. I would not bet on any person's life/well-being on this defendant's rehabilitation. He should serve life. No one knows that he will function safely in society. This psych is just a book talking. And, yes, I have a degree in psych. Not a practice but a degree.

it says volumes to me that the father said he did not get JG a car because he was worried about suicide...

 

[texaslb218]

it says volumes to me that the father said he did not get JG a car because he was worried about suicide...

Yes, I understand that. My point is that rehabilitation is not something I am willing to risk yours or anyone else's well-being on. Lots of kids don't get cars and have troubles emotionally but don't beat an innocent person to death. My opinion only....Not safe for society.

 

[acutename]

Yes, I understand that. My point is that rehabilitation is not something I am willing to risk yours or anyone else's well-being on. Lots of kids don't get cars and have troubles emotionally but don't beat an innocent person to death. My opinion only....Not safe for society.

I do not disagree; I just meant that if the father seriously believed suicide was likely, that is a profoundly disturbed person. I also wonder if the family felt unsafe. This murder seems to have been done so casually- chilling. They said "hi" to her in the park....

 

[texaslb218]

I do not disagree; I just meant that if the father seriously believed suicide was likely, that is a profoundly disturbed person. I also wonder if the family felt unsafe. This murder seems to have been done so casually- chilling. They said "hi" to her in the park....

I agree also. The young man was failed at every point of personal contact and support. It sounds like he was left to find himself without any guidance.
I didn't mean to sound snarky to your post. I am just sick of this testimony that is not relevant and not helpful.

 

[Seattle1]

For clarity, compared to co-defendant Miller, the psych expert witness testimony for Goodale was not opposed by the State-- most likely as a condition of his agreement to cooperate with prosecutors.

Once Goodale agreed to testify against Miller, soon after, Miller changed his plea to guilty.

This is why Goodale's sentencing was delayed until November -- the psych witness was not available earlier.

 

[Seattle1]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

11/15/23 -- Day 2

 

[Seattle1]

Spanish Teacher Killer Gets Bloody Nose After Crying During Apology for Murder - 11/15/23​

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Seattle1]

Day 2: Live coverage of Jeremy Goodale sentencing

Jeremy Goodale, now 18, pleaded in April to first-degree murder for fatal assault of Nohema Graber, Fairfield High School Spanish teacher in November of 2021. The prosecution will recommend a minimum of 25 years and he could face up to life with the possibly of parole because of his age.

www.thegazette.com

11/15/23

LIVE SENTENCING BLOG -- DAY 2:

• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:58 PM
  Having connections problems.
  
  Tom Graber, brother-in-law: Enormous impact on her family and the community. This hastened Paul's immature death.
  Paul had received a kidney and finishes dialysis. His life ended in June. He delayed seeking treatment after Nohema's death. She wouldn't have let that happen if she had been alive.
  Her murder also affected their children's lives. She was rock of family. Primary caregiver of Jared. Her heart was younger than her age, according to her autopsy. She would had a long life.
  Nohema was truly a remarkable woman. She and Paul met in Mexico. She put herself through flight school.
  When Paul became disabled, Nohema went back to school and gained a bachelors degree to support then.
  The school installed a monument to honor her, as well as other honors in the community.
  She was active in the Catholic community. She was a laision between the church and the Hispanic community.
  A brief sketch of who you helped murder.
  He doubts Goodale is remorseful. Having lawyer argue for less time.
  The killing contradicts that remorse. You two did if because of a failing grade. You never tried to talk Miller out of this crime. You could have walked away. Paul knew there had to be two involved because Nohema was fighter and it would have taken more than one to overpower her.
  He said Goodale didn't shout a warning - he pulled down his mask and and lulled her into thinking she was safe. Goodale then hit her to ensure she was dead.
  You can forward but most of the facts were already known. Others students came forward. He doubts Goodale told the whole truth. Nohema's clothes were removed and Goodale said they must have fallen off.
  He also questions Goodale "mercy" killing. Goodale said he hit her to end her suffering.
  He talked to Paul about sentencing and they thought 25 or 30 would be appropriate.
  The family believes 30 years should be the minimum.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:35 PM
  10 victim impact statements will be next.
  Marilyn Fuest, sister-in law, read by victim advocate: Graber would befriend anyone. She geniunely cared about everyone. She had 56 godchildren. She never spoke of her good deeds but spoke the gospel every day.
  English was tricky for her at fisrt. It was hard to carry a conversation but she eventually mastered it.
  She loved people and treasured her faith and relied on God. She knew how to love. Paul missed her so much and hastened his recent death. We all miss her and her laugh.
  She was an absolute blessing.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:30 PM
  Cook: State recommends 25 years for minimum but there's not basis for that. Defense is asking court to defer to board of parole and not set a minimum.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:29 PM
  Cook: An 18 year old is an abitrary age to say someone is an adult. The brain science shows differently. Brain not fully formed until 25, as Cunningham testified.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:26 PM
  Cook: Juveniles who commit murder have low risk to reoffend, as Cunningham testified.
  The presumption in this case is no minimum sentence. The sentencing court isn't in a place to know how long it will take to rehabilitate. Parole board is best source for that.
  He still faces a life sentence, even if a minimum isn't set.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:21 PM
  Cook: He had some mental health issues - had suicidal thoughts, ADHD, abadonment issues, emotional outbursts - "meltdowns."
  His family will be his support system as he serves his prison term and released some day.
  Goodale left planning up to Miller. No plan for after killing. Goodale didn't make up any story or alibi. He lacked emotional autonomy. He told several people the crime. He didn't consider impact this would have on his life, Graber's family or the community.
  If not for each other, this crime probably wouldn't have happend. It wouldn't have come about at all without Miller, who was mad at Graber for giving him bad grade.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:13 PM
  Cook: A juvenile doesn't have the appreciation of their actions. Cunningham said Goodale was also impacted by his immaturity, which was less than other 16 years olds.
  Goodale's substance abuse contributed to his decision making ability.
  He is an intelligent young man but very immature.
  
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 1:09 PM
  Recommendation from Cook: The state wouldn't have the infomation about Goodale pulling down his mask and why he went along with Miller, if Goodale hadn't proffer that.
  He did plead guilty and spared the family of a trial.
  Threat posed by community - the parole board will be the best source to determine this.
  Goodale said he was supposed to be only the lookout and it was only after he saw she wasn't dead, he took action to end her suffering.
  Nature of offense shouldn't outweigh the Lyle factors.
  Goodale right after killing didn't know what he felt. He didn't know why he didn't feel remorseful. He was functionally immature at that time. He can become a productive member of society. He has a lot of growing to do and will gain maturity.
  He pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility in this case, as the state noted. He cooperated with the prosecution without knowing he would receive any benefit. He was honest in his proffer and would have testified at Miller's trial. The defense believes Miller pleaded because of that.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 12:59 PM
  Moulding: He is competent and involved in his case.
  Possibility of rehabilitation does exist.
  Goodale was approach by Miller and agreed to help him kill Graber. On nov. 1, he stalked Graber with Miller. They bumped into her and said Hi. He didn't call it off at that time or right before it happened. He had opportunity to stop this and he didn't.
  After the killing, Goodale agreed to proffer evidence and testify against Miller. He took responsibility and pleaded guilty. That's worth considering. The prosecution recommends life sentence and must spend 25 years before being eligible for parole.
  He should pay over $16,000 in restitution to crime victim's program and pay $150,000 to Graber's estate.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 12:54 PM
  Moulding continues on recommendation for sentencing.
  Goodale had no motive but that adds to threats and safety of community. Court should consider that Goodale took down his mask and tried to reassure her before she was hit and then "finishes her off." Also the actions after the killing.
  Two days after the killing, he said he had no remorse but he made a heartfelt statement today and it should be taken into consideration.
  Goodale understood murder was wrong. He appreciated the criminality of his acts.
  He was rational and reasonable for a 16-year-old boy. He was a very smart young man. His mental capacity is normal. He had no other criminal history as a youth.
  His family and home enviroment - his family loved him.
  He was fully involved. He didn't deliver the first blow but delivered the last blow.
• Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 12:48 PM
  We are back.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:54 AM
    Judge calls for lunch break. Be back at 12:45 p.m.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:54 AM
    Prosecution says it's important to remember how this happened. The last thing Graber saw was Goodale's face. He had on a mask on and took down his mask to reassure Graber and smiled at her as Miller walked up behind her and struck her with a bat in the back of her head. Goodale then dragged her into the woods and hit her 5 more times.
    Court should consider impact on each victim. Victim is dead and court will hear from her family and how it has impacted them.
    Impact on community - substantial and lasting effect on community.
    Judge calls for break because Goodale started having a bloody nose after his statement.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:49 AM
    Defense has no additional witnesses.
    Goodale will make his statement: I want to say I'm grateful for this chance to speak my peace. I offer my sincerest apologies to the Graber family, but I know my words will never be enough. I've had time to think on what to say and I'm sorry. Truly sorry. What I've taken can never be replaced. Every day I wish i could go back and stop myself and prevent this loss and pain that I've caused everyone - the community and ouside of it.
    "I didn't know how taking Mrs. Graber's life would affect you (her family). I can't comprehend losing a loved one in such an awful way. I'm sorry I didn't stop this from happening in the first place. I'm understaning now that Mrs. Graber meant so much to so many people. She was a support to the community and those close to her and she was a care giver to her family, to her children and her husband. I'm so sorry."
    Goodale also apologizes to Graber's friends and her church family. He also apologized to everyone at Fairfield High who "felt unsafe and scared, those who lost hope."
    He apologized to his friends and the "stigma" placed on them for knowing him.
    "And Dad, I'm sorry I let you down in so many ways. Jackie and Sophia, you've given so much to me and I'm supposed to be helping you, Jackie, with (your son) right now, but I can't.
    "Two years ago, I made the worst decision of my life and take full responsibility for what I did. I can never give back what I've taken but I hope this situation doesn't end as tragically as it began and I hope someday, something positive can come from this tragedy."
    Goodale was tearing up throughout his statement and was taking deep breaths in between words.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:42 AM
    Cunningham is excused.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:28 AM
    Prosecutor: Educational aspects of covid were not unique to Goodale?
    Cunningham: No. All kids had school online. Casualities have come out of that.
    Prosecutor: Affect of pandemic doesn't excuse his actions?
    Cunningham: No. He pleaded guilty. This is the sentencing phase.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:25 AM
    Prosecutor: A lot of discussion about Goodale's home life? He had a big family and they loved him.
    Cunningham: Family loves him but loved him badly.
    Prosecutor: He wasn't food insecure, went to private school, always had a home. His home life doesn't explain why killed Graber?
    Cunningham: Doesn't see a lot of cases where mom abandons child at age 10. His home life impacted his choice to go along with Miller and commit it.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 11:12 AM
    Prosecutor: Mood disorder - was that impacted by substance abuse?
    Cunningham: It was from depression, suicidal thoughts, melt downs. But the substance abuse coexists with the mood disorder and further aggravates his mental state. It impairs his moral reasoning.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:59 AM
    Cunningham: He wrote most of questions that defense asked.
    Prosecutor: He looked up Cunningham and saw some videos of him in other cases and he had similar theories that he used in this case.
    Cunningham: He agrees. It provides consistency, but he considered those based on this case.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:55 AM
    Prosecutor: What age should someone be held accountable?
    Cunningham: Someone is accountable for actions as juvenile but treated differently under sentencing. Brain development incomplete at age 18. Fully developed after age 25.
    
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:51 AM
    Cunningham on cross: Youthful or juvenile cases he's been involved with - about 30. Hired by defense. One previously in Iowa, maybe in 2018 or 2019. He doesn't remember where in Iowa.
    Being paid $360/hour. Has 130 hours on case.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:43 AM
    We are back
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:26 AM
    Judge calls for break. Be back in 15 min.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:26 AM
    Cunningham: The pace of Goodale's rehabilitation can't be determined today.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:19 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale's risk assessment based on similar parolees information - those teens who have committed murder- 174 juvenile lifers - 62 percent convicted of first-degree murder. Only 6 arrested again and charges were dropped in 4. One had contempt and one for third-degree robbery.
    Juvenile lifers are considered low risk.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 10:09 AM
    Cunningham: Vast majority of juvenile offenders grow out of this conduct as they mature. Only a small percentage continue criminal activities into adulthood.
    A more mature brain has better impulse control, recoginition of long term consequences, identification of empathy, moral obligation, appreciation of collective good and religious or ethical system.
    His misconduct in juvenile facility - assaulting other inmate because he stinks and exposing his genitals - is because he's still 16 when he comes into custody and he's still immature. Goodale had expressed remorse and helped the prosecution in this case. Evidence of growth since the crime.
    The jail assault doesn't have any impact on his rehabilitation. He has high likelihood of adjusting back into the community.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:49 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale was likely in shock when he made the comment to his sister, during a phone conversation on Nov. 4, 2021 from the detention center that he doesn't feel remorse.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:45 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale doesn't understand that all of this implicates him in the crime, especially when he keeps telling people about it.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:43 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale pushes a wheelbarrow down the street late at night and doesn't think about any that sees him will remember that. Goodale and Miller drive Graber's van out to the woods but then call a friend to pick them up, who can become a witness later.
    He has limited theory of mind about Miller and his agenda and why is Miller involving him. He seems oblivious that Miller may be taking advantage of him or setting him up.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:39 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale left planning up to Miller because this was Miller's problem and he just going along with it. He's not thinking of the other consequences.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:32 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale was under influence during killing of Graber. He was smoking an eighth of marijuana daily, smoke at lunch, after school and in the evening. Day of offense - smoking with girlfriend at park - gram and half. He drank five hard seltzers after the killing, so he could just go to sleep.
    It didn't deprived him of knowing this was wrong but it impaired his decision making.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:27 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale had loss of interaction and structure in the pandemic. He needs that supports because of the ADHD. He's not doing his school work. Family dysfunctions increase because his father is more negative to him and reprimanding him because of Goodale's actions.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:22 AM
    Cunningham: Substance dependance in teenage years impact the development of maturity.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:18 AM
    Cunningham: Stats show there are greater incidents of violent crime among teens experiencing depression or mood disorder.
    Marijuana and other drug dependance also impacted his functional maturity.
    Developmental trauma and instability can increase self medication.
    He was smoking marijuana daily in 8th grade. In 10 and 11th grade, he smoked regularly and doing mushrooms with Miller. He also was drinking alcohol - binge drinking.
    
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:12 AM
    Cunningham: Goodale had a mood disorder. Cycle of symptoms that would last a month. He was irritable and easily frustrated. Lost interest in things. He was withdrawn. Intensive feelings of self blame, worthless, self recrimination in social context. He had sleep disturbance. He was using marijuana as self medication.
    He had suicidal thoughts.
  • Trish Mehaffey • 11/15/23 9:00 AM
    Good morning! The hearing will get underway in a few minutes. Mark Cunningham, a clinical and forensic psychologist will continue his testimony this morning. Not sure if the defense has another expert or not.
    There should be some victim impact statements from Graber's family later today.

 

[Seattle1]

WATCH LIVE: Spanish Teacher Killer Sentencing — IA v. Jeremy Goodale Day Two (11/15/23)​

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies