After about five hours of deliberation, jurors in the murder trial of Richard Goens returned guilty verdicts on all six charges.
Following a jury poll, Judge Grant Bannister accepted the verdict and found Goens guilty of first degree murder for the 2019 shooting death of Tanner Zamecnik. Goens was also convicted on five other charges stemming from that November 1 evening, including attempted aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal discharge of a firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Sentencing is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 3rd.
The trial lasted a full four days, having began with opening statements Friday, January 7 in Riley County District Court. Bannister thanked jurors for their service, saying they performed a ‘patriotic duty’ in ensuring the court system continues to function as intended.
Goens’ bond was also revoked by the court at prosecutor Trinity Muth’s request, and Goens was remanded to the custody of the Riley County Jail following the verdict.
Goens is one of four people implicated in a botched robbery plot that led to Zamecnik’s murder. Dylan Hitsman was sentenced to 24 years for his role in the crime, in which he and his brother Jaylon met up with Zamecnik under the false pretense of a cannabis deal in order for Goens to rob him. Jaylon is facing 15 years as part of a plea deal for his part in the incident, though his sentencing was delayed until the outcome of Goens’ case.
Shamar Sutton is alleged as the man who drove Goens to and from the shooting and faces five charges including first degree murder. Sutton’s case was continued until January 18th.
