LAS VEGAS (CN) - The wife of a "Ghost Adventures" reality TV personality accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill her husband hopes to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors, her attorney revealed Tuesday in court.
Victoria Goodwin, 32, faces charges of solicitation to commit murder and conspiring to commit murder. Goodwin appeared Tuesday in Las Vegas Township Justice Court before Judge Kristal Bradford and waived her right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days. Held on $100,000 bond, Goodwin is next set for a status conference on April 8.
Authorities have said that Goodwin conspired with a Florida inmate to have her husband, Aaron Goodwin, killed. Police reports stated that Victoria Goodwin and the inmate texted and exchanged Facebook messages, including details of her husband's whereabouts and how she'd pay for the hit.
Florida officials found the messages after searching the inmate's phone. Nevada authorities learned of the accusations early this month and arrested Victoria Goodwin on March 6.
Tuesday's hearing lasted some five minutes. Attorney David Brown, representing Victoria Goodwin, said his client is interested in negotiating a plea deal. Goodwin, wearing jail-issued clothing, nodded when the judge asked about the April 8 court date.
Aaron Goodwin filed for divorce days after his wife's arrest, updating the court filing last week. He's now asking for over $10,000 in punitive damages. He also accused his wife of assault and false imprisonment, arguing that she made him feel apprehensive of harm and that she intended to confine him.
Aaron Goodwin updated his Instagram followers late last week, the first time he'd posted on the platform in about a month.
"Thank you everyone for all the love and support through this emotionally trying time," he wrote. "It has really helped a lot and I appreciate you all."
The accusations appeared to come as a shock to Aaron Goodwin, who on Valentine's Day posted on Instagram a photo of his wife playing mini golf. He said she always beat him at the game.
Police reports stated that Victoria Goodwin was in love with the Florida inmate. She told officers that she contacted the inmate after seeing a documentary and followed that with text messages.
Victoria Goodwin denied that she wanted her husband to die, adding that she was daydreaming.
Arrest reports indicate that in one text Victoria Goodwin questioned if she was a bad person because she wanted her husband dead as opposed to having a divorce.
In another text, police indicate that she told the inmate her husband was sleeping in a hotel room and asked for an update.
"Ghost Adventures" is a reality TV show that's aired since 2008. Four men, including Goodwin, travel to reputed haunted spots, investigate paranormal activity and document their actions.
Source: Courthouse News Service
