(*Note -- This story is in the process of being updated to reflect the afternoon verdict rendered by the jury.)
MINOT – A 12-person jury received their final instructions Friday morning and, after listening to closing arguments, retired to the jury room to begin deliberations in a murder case with dual defendants.
The trial of Mathew Anderson, 35, Minot, charged with Murder; and Regina Goodale, 35, Minot, charged with Accomplice to Murder, began this past Monday with jury selection. That jury began their deliberation at 11:15 a.m. If convicted as charged with AA felonies, the defendants face the possibility of life without parole.
The case originated on February 24, 2022, when police were called to a possible shooting in southeast Minot. Evidence presented at the trial showed that Wade Goodale was severely beaten and suffered a gunshot wound that resulted in his death. Goodale was in the driver’s seat of his 1991 Honda Accord which had a driver’s side window broken out.
Anderson was arrested, along with Regina Goodale, the victim’s husband, who the State contends set up her husband to be assaulted by Anderson.
In her closing argument to the jury Rozanna Larson, State’s Attorney, said, “This was a willful act, the death of Wade Goodale with extreme indifference. Mr. Anderson is the one who pulled the trigger.”
In regard to the charge against Regina Goodale, Larson added, “She willfully caused Matt Anderson’s conduct.”
Larson said after the killing of Wade Goodale, Regina Goodale and Anderson left the scene, did not contact police or request any medical assistance.
“They went home and had sex. That’s cold. Indifference to human life,” said Larson.
William Hartl, Anderson’s attorney, countered that the “evidence doesn’t support death with extreme difference.”
“This wasn’t a willful act,” stated Hartl. “Did the gun go off by accident? Guns can go off by accident. No one saw Mr. Anderson pull the trigger.”
Regina Goodale’s attorney, Steven Mottinger, included in his closing statement that, “not one witness, none of them, ever heard Regina express that Wade Goodale be killed.”
The jury was given the option of considering lesser charges, Manslaughter and Negligent Homicide, for either defendant.
“You must find my client not guilty on all three counts,” concluded Mottinger.
The State disagreed.
“They are both guilty as charged,” said Larson while pointing at the defendants.
