Millionaire John Goodman Found Guilty Of DUI Manslaughter

Millionaire John Goodman was found guilty today for the vehicular manslaughter of 23-year-old Scott Wilson. Goodman was found guilty of DUI manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter by a Florida jury. He will be sentenced on April 30th.

ABC reports that the 6-person jury deliberated for a little over five hours before reaching a verdict. Goodman faces up to 30 years in prison.

Goodman crashed his Bentley into Wilson’s Hyundai in February, 2010. Wilson’s car was pushed into a canal and the engineering student drowned.

Wilson’s mother, Lilli, said:

“I know that it took a lot for them come up with a conclusion and justice has been served. I’m always going to miss my son. I will always share his memories. And now, coming from me and the rest of the family and his friends, it’s time for the healing process to begin.”

Goodman, who founded the International Polo Club Palm Beach, claimed that his $200,000 malfunctioned. Goodman also denied that he was drunk. ABC notes, however, that when Goodman was arrested three hours after the crash his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

Prosecutor Sherri Collins said in her closing arguments:

“The defendant was impaired, the defendant was speeding, the defendant ran a stop sign, the defendant probably unintentionally had too much to drink that night. And when the crash happened, did he go around and look at the front of the car to see what he hit or to the canal that was three feet away? No, he headed south…. He didn’t do any of the things that are required by law and, ladies and gentlemen, there is no excuse for that.”

Goodman’s lawyer said that he plans to appeal the conviction.