October 22, 2012
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508 368-7236
Or Paul Jarvey 508 368-7241
WORCESTER — William J. Goddard was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole today after a Superior Court jury found him guilty of first-degree murder in the 2008 shooting death of his ex-girlfriend.
Judge Richard Tucker imposed the mandatory life-without-parole sentence after the jury returned with its verdict.
Kelly Brackley, a 30-year-old mother of five from Auburn, died on Jan. 28, 2008, after being shot by Mr. Goddard at Action Crash Parts in Webster, where she worked.
Mr. Goddard, 42, of Worcester, also shot Yograj Shivdasani who had entered into a relationship with Ms. Brackley and was her boss at the parts store.
Mr. Goddard fled after the shootings and was arrested eight hours later in a field in Berlin.
In addition to first-degree murder, he was also found guilty of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and three weapons charges. He was found not guilty of six counts of armed assault to murder.
He was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated kidnapping, 18-20 years in prison for armed assault to murder, 9-10 years for A&B with a dangerous weapon, 4-5 years for assault with a dangerous weapon, 4-5 years for possession of a firearm with a serial number defaced and possession of a firearm without an FID card, and 2 years in the House of Correction of possession of ammunition without an FID card. All of the sentences are to run concurrently.
“This conviction brings to a conclusion a horrible nightmare for the family,” Mr. Early said. “This was great work by (Assistant District Attorney) Tom Landry and the prosecution team. The State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, State Police Air Wing, Webster, Berlin, Spencer, Northborough and Worcester Police contributed to this successful prosecution.”