It took much less time than expected for a man accused of double homicide to be tried. The testimony in Daniel Goodridge’s trial wrapped up Thursday in Grande Prairie. It began Monday and was scheduled for two weeks.
Goodridge is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of assault with a weapon, and interfering with human remains in connection with the killing of two people at a work camp in Fox Creek in June 2015. The 31-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all counts on the basis of mental disorder.
Over the four days of testimony, the court heard from family members, witnesses, and psychiatrists, one of which concluded Goodridge was in a psychotic state at the time. In an agreed statement of facts, Goodridge admits to the killing of 37-year-old David Derksen and 50-year-old Hally Dubois. He also cut off parts of Derksen’s body and set him on fire.
By the time RCMP responded to the Berland Open Lodge, both workers were already dead. Mounties fired 13 shots and Goodridge was taken to hospital where his mother testified he initially had no recollection of what had happened.
The defence did not call any witnesses during the trial. Closing arguments are expected to be heard next Tuesday, with a decision by Justice K.G. Nielsen to follow.
