Jury finds Goodwin guilty in beating of DeAndre Harris at Aug. 12 rally
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Jacob Goodwin, one of the men accused of beating Deandre Harris inside the Market Street parking garage on Aug. 12, was found guilty of malicious wounding Tuesday night.
The jury recommended that Goodwin should serve 10 years behind bars with an option to suspend his sentence.
As part of the Arkansas man's sentencing, the jury recommended a $20,000 fine and a rehabilitation plan, which includes community service.
Harris suffered a spinal injury, a broken arm and head lacerations that required eight staples after the parking garage assault. Three others were arrested.
Goodwin claimed self-defense. However, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Nina-Alice Antony says it was Goodwin who wanted to square off.
Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Platania said he felt satisfied with the result and is appreciative of the work the jury put into this case.
"It was a long trial," he said. "We're very appreciative of the hard work the jury put into this case, the thoughtful way in which they deliberated and returned a verdict, and also the thought that they put into the sentence."
Platania also said he didn't talk with Harris after Goodwin's sentence was read, but said he could tell how Harris felt across the courtroom.
"I did not speak to him after the sentence was imposed, but we did sort of share a glance across the courtroom as he was leaving," said Platania. "He had a smile on his face and I think he was happy with the result of the prosecution against Mr. Goodwin."
Goodwin's defense attorney, Elmer Woodard, did not give any comment, and neither did his family.
Goodwin's sentencing date is set for Aug. 23.
Starting on Wednesday, a second man charged in the beating of DeAndre Harris, Alex Ramos, went on trial as well.
In that case, even Ramos' defense acknowledged he had taken a "cheap shot" at Harris, but they argued he should not be blamed for the actions of others and the malicious wounding charge against him was too extreme.
The jurors in that case have been warned not to be swayed by the Goodwin case.
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