Grants Pass, Ore. — After a month-long murder trial Gary Goins receives his sentence as family members of the victims looked on.
Goins was found guilty last week of shooting and killing both his brother Dennis and his sister in law Susan Goins back in 2011.
“This was a very long case for everybody,” says Lisa Turner, Josephine County Chief Deputy District Attorney. Turner spent about a month in the courtroom for the Goins murder trial and she says she is glad it’s done.
A sentimentshared by thefamilies of the victims, Dennis and Susan Goins of Merlin.
On Tuesday morning Gary Goins was back in court getting a true life sentence.
“Which means he will spend the entirety of his life in prison without the possibility of parole,” Turner explains.
In addition, Goins has also waived the ability to appeal. While the outcome is successful for the State, Turner says she had hoped for the death sentence. That option was droppedin the deal, but could have dragged the case on for years.
“Allowing the jury to decide and coming back, would have allowed him the chance to appeal everything,” says Turner.
Something Dennis and Susan’s family didn’t want.
“Knowing he will never get out of prison, the family was fine with that, thus the State was fine with that,” adds Turner.
Susan’s brother read an emotional statement toher murdererat the sentencing while his mother, and two of Susan’s daughters listened via phone conference. They all shared words of grief after losing family members, but added that they are glad to be moving forward.
Turner says, “I think justice was served.”
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