Woman accused of poisoning ex-husband sentenced to jail

POCATELLO, idaho (KIFI) - A Pocatello judge hands down a sentence to a woman accused of poisoning her ex-husband.

The judge listened to what some consider a lenient plea deal, after Jared Goody claims he, his children, and his family's lives were turned upside down by his ex wife. 

There were some emotional moments in a Bannock County courtroom Wednesday morning as Courtney Goody accused of poisoning her husband changes her plea.

Goody plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of battery through an Alford plea.

"What Alford actually says is that there is a likelihood that injury could convict, if you want to go to jury trial," said Curtis Smith, Courtney Goody's attorney. "You heard Mr. Trammell say today, the prosecutor and his argument that a jury may well have acquitted and that's what they were worried about, and that's why they offered a misdemeanor in my opinion. So both sides have to assess their risks," Smith said.

Courtney's former husband, Jared Goody claims he and several of his family and friends were poisoned with selenium. They say it was given to them at different times by Courtney.

"Definitely frustrated. The sentence and the punishment and it just doesn't fit the crime," said Jared after the court hearing. "However, it did feel better to see her leaving in handcuffs rather than not so." Jared said.

After seeing many doctors that could not find a reason for Jared to be so sick. Jared's parents contacted the Carlson Company, a Colorado based forensics lab.

Test samples showed that Jared's body contained high enough levels of selenium to be deadly. In a victim impact statement to the judge, Jared said, "Every day was a battle for my life. I kept fighting. I tried my best to focus on the day when the symptoms would subside. I'm still waiting for that day to come."

Courtney Goody's lawyer argued the selenium could have been from natural causes or from THC use. At one point during the defense presentation, Bryon Goody, Jared's father, shouted at the judge in open court. He was removed from the courtroom.

After hearing from both sides, Judge Aaron Thompson said he did not believe the selenium in Jared's system was from natural causes for THC use, saying to Courtney, "The court does find that you admitted to poisoning him. The court is not completely satisfied as to why you were doing that."

Judge Thompson sentenced Goody to 180 days in jail, a $500 fine, and court costs. She was immediately taken into custody.

There are still two civil cases and a child custody case remaining in this matter.

A statement was released by the Bannock County Prosecutor Stephen Herzog as to why the charges were reduced. The letter can be read below. 

-----

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - A Chubbuck woman charged with harming her former husband with poison will spend 180 days in jail.

Courtney Goody pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to misdemeanor charges of battery and battery with intent to harm an individual.

Judge Aaron Thompson then sentenced Goody to 180 days in jail. The sentence includes the nine days she has already spent in jail and her sentence is to begin immediately. She was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

According to court documents, Jared Goody, Courtney's husband at the time, started to feel ill in June 2020. It took several months to determine he was being poisoned. Lab analysis records showed it was caused by selenium.

Prosecutor Herzog has released the following statement.

This is a developing story and we'll have more on the case tonight on Local News 8 at 5 and 6 p.m., and on Eyewitness News 3 at 5:30p.