An arrest has been made, and an identity has been released in a Texas County homicide case.
According to Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey, on the evening of March 28, Texas County deputies were dispatched to Pine Flat Drive in the Eunice area in reference to a suspicious death.
Upon arriving at the residence, deputies located a deceased female with apparent gunshot wounds.
The female was identified to be 31 year old Nikki Goodchild.
On March 29, deputies, with the assistance of the Howell County SWAT and Houston Police Department, a search warrant was served at a residence on Pine Flat Drive near the location where Goodchild lived.
During the execution of the warrant, police arrested Joshua Goodchild.
Evidence was also recovered at Joshua’s residence implicating him in the murder of Nicki Goodchild.
Joshua is the brother of Nikki’s husband.
The husband was working at a local business during the time that the homicide occurred and was not involved with the crime.
The victim was discovered when her children arrived home after school.
Based on the investigation and evidence recovered at the residence, a probable cause statement was submitted to the Texas County Prosecuting Attornies Office seeking charges.
43-year-old Joshua Goodchild is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Goodchild was ordered to be held in the Texas County Jail without bond.
Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey said, “This is a tragic case. I pray for comfort for the family and the friends of the victim. I also commend the effort of the deputies and assisting agencies that worked on this case to seek justice.”
The Sheriff also stated in the release that the charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt.
Evidence supporting the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.