23-053 Detectives Investigate Inmate Death; Does Not Appear to be Suspicious in Nature
Inmate Death
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
John William Goodwin (Inmate – Deceased)
DOB: 8/15/1982
Charges: Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of 40-year-old inmate John Goodwin.
Detectives say Goodwin was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on May 17, 2021, after being arrested by the St. Petersburg Police Department for Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
Detectives learned on April 18, 2023, at approximately 11:50 p.m., a deputy was conducting a well-being check in the housing unit where Goodwin was located. The deputy observed a bed sheet covering Goodwin’s cell door. The deputy responded to the cell, pulled down the sheet and found Goodwin hanging from the vent with a ligature made from the sheet. Additional deputies and medical staff were immediately requested and responded to assist and render aid.
Goodwin was pronounced deceased on April 19, 2023, at approximately 12:20 a.m.
At this point in the investigation, detectives have found no evidence that Goodwin was involved in any physical altercations or sustained any injuries while incarcerated at the jail.
Goodwin’s next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
