Detroit Man Sentenced to 80 Years for Murders of Two West Virginia Women

A Detroit man, Marquis Jermayne Goodman, 24, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the killings 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 that occurred in 2021.

Attorneys Argue for Leniency

During the sentencing, Goodman’s attorneys sought a more lenient sentence, emphasizing that their client, being young, still had the potential to be reformed. They presented this argument despite the fact that Goodman had a lengthy criminal record. However, the families of the victims pleaded for the maximum sentence.

Families' Pleas

White’s mother, Letitia Norman, emotionally addressed Goodman during the sentencing, expressing the profound devastation caused by the loss of her daughter. She emphasized that any dispute between Goodman and her daughter did not warrant such a tragic outcome. She tearfully stated, "My life is ruined... When I see my baby, I have to stand over her on the ground."

Judge's Decision

Judge Ken Ballard, after considering Goodman’s criminal history and the plea from the victims' families, handed down the maximum sentence of 40 years for each count of second-degree murder. The sentences are to be served consecutively. He emphasized that Goodman had previously been given opportunities for reform, which had evidently not been successful.