Marquis Jermayne Goodman, a 24-year-old man from Detroit, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murders of Bria Nicole White, 26, and Kytiana Belcher, 22, in Charleston, West Virginia. Goodman pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in the fatal shootings of the two women in 2021. During the sentencing, Goodman’s attorneys argued for a more lenient sentence, claiming that their client was still young enough to be reformed. Goodman apologized to the families of the victims, expressing that he did not intend to cause harm to the women. However, a motive for the shootings still remains unclear.
The families of the victims requested the maximum sentence for Goodman. White’s mother, Letitia Norman, tearfully addressed Goodman during the sentencing, stating that any disagreement between him and her daughter did not warrant such an extreme response. Norman expressed the devastation that the loss of her daughter had caused her, indicating that her life had been ruined by the tragic events. Judge Ken Ballard noted Goodman’s extensive criminal record and previous opportunities for rehabilitation during the sentencing, emphasizing that these attempts had been unsuccessful in preventing further criminal behavior. In light of this, Judge Ballard handed down the maximum sentence of 40 years for each count of second-degree murder to be served consecutively.
Goodman’s use of obituaries to target families for robbery during funerals was also reported during the trial, adding another disturbing element to his criminal activities. Despite this additional information, the exact reasons for the fatal shootings of White and Belcher remain unknown. The families of the victims were left grappling with the senseless loss of their loved ones, with Norman highlighting the profound impact that the murders had on her life. Goodman’s plea for forgiveness and assertion of nonviolent intentions did little to assuage the deep pain felt by those affected by his actions.
The sentencing of Goodman to 80 years in prison sends a strong message about the consequences of perpetrating violent crimes. By imposing the maximum sentence for each count of murder, the court underscored the severity of the offenses committed by Goodman. The families of White and Belcher sought justice for their loved ones through their calls for a harsh punishment, reflecting their desire to see accountability for the lives lost. While Goodman expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the harm caused, the sentencing decision reflects the serious nature of the crimes committed and the need for accountability within the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, Marquis Jermayne Goodman’s sentencing to 80 years in prison for the murders of Bria Nicole White and Kytiana Belcher in Charleston, West Virginia, serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities. Despite Goodman’s remorse and attempts at rehabilitation, the court determined that a lengthy prison sentence was necessary to address the severity of his actions and the loss of two young lives. The families of the victims sought closure through the legal process, advocating for the maximum punishment for Goodman. As the case concludes, the memory of White and Belcher will endure, while Goodman faces the consequences of his choices.
