All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Riverton, WY) – 31-year-old Riverton man John Goodman pled “not guilty” to the charge of first-degree murder at his arraignment hearing held today, December 4, in Lander’s District Court.
A Jury Trial has been set for May 11, 2026.
The hearing was overseen by the Honorable Judge Jason Conder, with Micah Wyatt representing the State, and Valerie Schoneberger and Zachary Mahlum acting as Defense.
Goodman was charged with first-degree murder after human remains were discovered on Rendezvous Road in March of 2023. Court documents state that the ensuing investigation, including interview testimony and DNA collected at the scene, tied him to the crime. The victim was determined to be Gustave Yellowhair. Click here for the full write-up on the investigation that led to the charge.
In Wyoming, a murder in the first degree charge carries a maximum sentence of “imprisonment of death, life imprisonment without parole, or life imprisonment.”
County 10 will provide updates on the case, which can be viewed here.