PLYMOUTH, MA — A Marshfield man was convicted of multiple charges, including second-degree murder, in a fatal crash that ended the life of a 13-year-old girl in December 2019. The tragic incident occurred when Gregory Goodsell, now 36, drove under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine and collided with a car carrying a family headed to a holiday trip.
Goodsell had been at a Christmas work party prior to the incident, driving away in his company-owned truck. He ran through a red light in Pembroke and struck the Subaru Outback that was transporting Claire Zisserson, her mother Elizabeth, and their friend Kendall Zemotel to New Hampshire for a snowboarding vacation.
Claire succumbed to her injuries at Boston Children’s Hospital. Both Elizabeth and Kendall sustained serious injuries with long-term effects. The overwhelming loss prompted intense legal scrutiny, focusing on the decision-making capacity of someone profoundly impaired by substances.
The prosecution argued that Goodsell had clear alternatives to driving that night, such as calling a ride-sharing service, which he consciously dismissed. His decision to drive despite being significantly impaired and ignoring others’ attempts to intervene, coupled with statements made immediately after the accident, indicated a level of awareness about his actions.
The defense contended that Goodsell’s state of intoxication negated his ability to form intent or understand his actions. The debate centered on the legal benchmark for second-degree murder, which hinges on demonstrating the defendant’s awareness of and disregard for the likely lethal outcomes of their actions.
During the eight-day trial, the jury spent nearly two days deliberating before arriving at their verdict. In addition to second-degree murder, Goodsell was found guilty of manslaughter by motor vehicle while under the influence, operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene after causing property damage.
The jury’s request for clarifications on the second-degree murder charge hours before their decision underscored the complexity of the legal considerations. The judge replayed the jury instructions pertaining to the requirements of the charge, which played a crucial role in the verdict.
Goodsell will remain in custody without bail until his sentencing on October 3, where further legal proceedings will determine the full extent of the consequences for his actions that night.
The case not only highlights the severe penalties associated with impaired driving but also serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities every driver bears upon taking the wheel. Legal experts suggest that this case could influence future considerations of similar incidents, where substance influence and decision-making are key factors in fatal outcomes. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, it also grapples with the broader implications of substance abuse and road safety.