LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A man has been indicted in the death of Ella Goodie, authorities said.
United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal grand jury in Lafayette has returned an indictment charging Brandon Francisco, 38, of Mansura, with carjacking resulting in the death of Ella Goodie.
Goodie was reported missing after being last seen on March 9, 2022, when she was a contract driver and was picking up a passenger to be taken to Houston. Scott Police say her vehicle was seen on I-10 heading toward Texas. 12 hours later, traffic cameras show her vehicle coming back into Louisiana.
Francisco was arrested March 25, 2022 near St. Joseph, Missouri by U.S. Marshals on a warrant out of Rapides Parish for failing to appear in court the day that Goodie was last seen.
The indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2022, Francisco took a 2012 Audi sport utility vehicle from Goodie by force, violence, and intimidation, resulting in her death.
The indictment charges Francisco with one count of carjacking resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of flight to avoid prosecution.
It is also alleged that on or about March 9, 2022, Francisco fired a gun during and in relation to a crime of violence, which in this case is carjacking.
It is further alleged that Francisco possessed the gun on or about March 25, 2022, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony crime.
The indictment also alleges that from on or about March 9, 2022, until on or about March 25, 2022, Francisco crossed state lines with the intent to avoid prosecution for a crime punishable by death under the laws of the State of Louisiana.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Francisco faces a sentence of up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. An arraignment and initial appearance will be scheduled for Francisco at a later date, prosecutors said.
Devon Norman, president and director of Village 337 said, "“Every time a new piece of information is shared about Ella, it does give a small sense of hope to the family that they can receive some answers that they seek."
"Unfortunately, we are not prepared to make a comment about the new information that you guys have received. However, we are prepared to continue to fight for Ella and with her family and we are asking the community to continue to lift her up and her family up in your prayers as they process what this new information means for her and for them," Norman continued.
