MINOT – The jury determined the evidence and witness testimony in the dual case of two defendants was overwhelming.
Mathew “Cyrus” Anderson, 35, Minot, and Regina Goodale, 35, Minot, showed no emotion when guilty verdicts were read in a Minot courtroom Friday afternoon. Both defendants were charged with AA felony counts punishable by up to life imprisonment without parole.
The jury found Anderson guilty of the Murder of Wade Goodale, Regina Goodale’s husband, during the early morning of February 24, 2022. Regina Goodale was convicted of Accomplice to Murder for her role in arranging for Anderson to “beat up” her husband. Police that were called to the southeast Minot scene found Wade Goodale slumped in his 1991 Honda Accord, badly beaten, and with a gunshot wound that resulted in his death.
Jury selection was held this past Monday with the trial proper beginning Tuesday. The State called more than 30 witnesses. The defense none. Deliberations began at 11:15 a.m. Friday and a verdict was reached at approximately 2:30 p.m.
In her closing argument to the court, State’s Attorney Rozanna Larson told the jury, “This was a willful act, the death of Wade Goodale with extreme indifference to human life. Mr. Anderson is the one who pulled the trigger.”
Larson added Regina Goodale “willfully caused Matt Anderson’s conduct.”
Larson said after the shooting occurred neither Anderson nor Regina Goodale made any attempt to obtain medical attention for Wade Goodale despite knowing he was seriously injured.
“They went home and had sex. That’s cold. Indifference to human life,” stated Larson.
In closing, William Hartl, Anderson’s attorney, urged the jury to consider a lesser charge against his client, telling them “Guns can go off by accident” and that “No one saw Mr. Anderson pull the trigger.”
Steven Mottinger, attorney for Regina Goodale, concluded that, “You must find my client not guilty on all three counts.”
The State disagreed.
“They are both guilty as charged,” said Larson while motioning towards the defendants.
Judge Todd Cresap ordered a Pre-sentence Investigation and set sentencing for late October on a date yet to be determined.
