Detroit man Marquis Jermayne Goodman was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murders of two West Virginia women, Bria Nicole White and Kytiana Belcher. Goodman pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the fatal shootings that took place in Charleston in 2021. During his sentencing, Goodman’s attorneys argued for a more lenient sentence, citing his young age and potential for reform. Goodman apologized to the families of the victims, expressing that he never intended to cause them harm. However, a motive for the killings remains unclear.
The families of the victims requested the maximum sentence for Goodman. Letitia Norman, the mother of Bria Nicole White, emotionally addressed Goodman during the sentencing, stating that their dispute did not need to escalate to such a tragic outcome. Norman expressed the profound impact that her daughter’s death has had on her life, leaving her devastated and grieving. Despite the pleadings of Goodman’s attorneys and his own apology, Judge Ken Ballard noted Goodman’s extensive criminal record and the lack of progress in his attempts at reform.
Judge Ken Ballard ultimately sentenced Marquis Jermayne Goodman to 80 years in prison, with 40 years to be served consecutively for each count of second-degree murder. The judge emphasized Goodman’s history of criminal behavior and missed opportunities for rehabilitation as factors in the decision to impose the maximum punishment for the murders of Bria Nicole White and Kytiana Belcher. The families of the victims were present during the sentencing, experiencing a range of emotions as they sought justice for their lost loved ones. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone involved.
The tragic murders of Bria Nicole White and Kytiana Belcher have left a lasting impact on their families, who continue to grapple with the loss and trauma caused by the senseless violence. Marquis Jermayne Goodman’s actions have led to irreparable harm and suffering for those closest to the victims. As the legal proceedings come to a close with his sentencing to 80 years in prison, the families hope for closure and justice to be served in memory of their loved ones. Despite the apologies and pleas for leniency from Goodman and his attorneys, the judge’s decision to hold him accountable for his crimes reflects the severity of the situation and the need for justice to be served.
The case of Marquis Jermayne Goodman serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families. The murders of Bria Nicole White and Kytiana Belcher have left a lasting impact on the community in Charleston, West Virginia, and have sparked conversations about the need to address and prevent such tragedies in the future. As Goodman begins his 80-year prison sentence, the families of the victims can only hope to find some semblance of peace and closure in the aftermath of this heartbreaking ordeal. The criminal justice system has played a critical role in holding Goodman accountable for his actions and providing a sense of justice for those affected by the heinous crimes he committed.
