Ghost Adventures Star's Wife Accused of Murder-for-Hire Plot with Convicted Killer

Allegations Against Victoria Goodwin

• 📌 Victoria Goodwin, wife of "Ghost Adventures" star Aaron Goodwin, appeared in court facing charges of solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
• 🎯 Prosecutors allege she communicated with convicted murderer Grant Amato, who is serving a life sentence, to arrange the killing of her husband.
• ⛓️ The alleged plot involved communications via a smuggled cell phone from prison, with texts detailing a plan to kill Aaron Goodwin while he was filming in California.

Court Proceedings and Legal Strategy

• ⚖️ During a hearing on March 24th, Goodwin waived her right to a preliminary hearing, with her attorney indicating potential interest in a plea deal.
• 🏠 Goodwin's bail was set at $100,000, with a no-contact order with her husband as a condition.
• 💔 Aaron Goodwin filed for divorce on March 12th, citing incompatible views and tastes, and later filed a civil lawsuit against his wife for assault, false imprisonment, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Evidence and Defense Arguments

• 📱 Investigators uncovered messages from a phone seized from Grant Amato, including communications from "Victoria Candy" discussing her husband and a plot to end his life, with financial discussions for a hitman.
• 💬 Goodwin reportedly admitted to remembering some messages but claimed she believed money was for cell phones and described discussions of wanting to be without Aaron and with Amato as fantasy or daydreams.
• 🧱 The defense may face challenges in arguing these messages were not serious, especially given the specificity of the details and the choice to contact a convicted murderer.

Legal Expert's Perspective

• 🚨 Criminal defense attorney Anthony Osso noted that solicitation and conspiracy charges are less common but often have a strong paper trail.
• ⚖️ He explained that solicitation and conspiracy are distinct offenses, with penalties in Nevada for conspiracy ranging from two to 15 years and for solicitation from two to 10 years.
• 🤝 Osso suggested that the complexity and evidence in the case might lead to a plea negotiation rather than a trial.

Grant Amato's Role and Potential Testimony

• 🔪 Grant Amato, already serving life for murdering his family, is allegedly acting as a go-between. He has not been charged in connection with this plot as he is already serving multiple life sentences.
• 🤝 The prosecution may seek Amato's cooperation as a witness, especially if the identity of the alleged hitman is still being investigated.
• 🕵️ Police are still working to identify the alleged hitman, with records potentially sealed to preserve the investigation.

Victoria Goodwin's Interview and Current Status

• 📝 During a police interview, Goodwin stated her relationship with Amato began as pen pals after learning about him through a documentary, and she denied wanting her husband killed.
• 💭 She described her feelings of wanting to be without Aaron and with Amato as a fantasy, but investigators found the detailed messages and financial discussions problematic for this defense.
• 🔒 Goodwin remains in custody awaiting her next court appearance, with the full transcript of her police interview expected to be released later.