HOUSTON – He made national headlines when he adopted his girlfriend, but now Houston millionaire John Goodman sits in a Florida jail and could soon spend decades in prison. Goodman's story all began here in Houston and those who new him are reacting to the twists and turns of his captivating story.
"Clearly, on the surface, John Goodman looked like the guy who had everything," said Shelby Hodge, editor-at-large of the Houston digital magazine www.culturemap.com.
She's covered socialites in Houston for 20 years, including friends and acquaintances of John Goodman.
When jurors found Goodman guilty of DUI manslaughter last month, it may have been the beginning of the final chapter in his almost believable story.
It's a strange and tragic tale of money, crime and confusion that played out in front of the entire country.
"John Goodman comes from a very solid family," Hodge said. "He had virtually everything. I mean he had private jets. He had a polo club."
Goodman's high-flying life was once a part of Houston's high-society circles. The heir to a multi-million air conditioning manufacturing fortune, his days were filled with polo matches and restaurant investments across Houston.
"It all came crashing down that terrible night," said Hodge.
On Feb. 12, 2010, Goodman crashed his $200,000 Bentley into 23-year-old Scott Williams' car near West Palm Beach, Florida. The crash pushed Williams' car into a roadside canal. Goodman eventually called 911, but only after he walked away from the scene. Williams died and police say Goodman was drunk. Police charged him with DUI manslaughter.
Goodman, 48, had moved to Florida, founded a polo club, and started a new life after his divorce here. He fought the charges saying he wasn't drunk, instead his Bentley just malfunctioned.
While the criminal case moved on, Williams' family sued in civil court. Then came the decision in February that made Goodman a household name -- he decided to adopt his 42-year-old girlfriend Heather Hutchins.
"When word got out that John Goodman adopted his girlfriend, it spread like wildfire across the city (Houston)," said Hodge.
Goodman's lawyers said the adoption was a legal move to protect the management of a $100 million trust for his two daughters. The victim's family questioned the move, but turns out it's legal and was approved by a Florida judge. It now entitles Hutchins to one-third of the trust.
But it all made a tragic case turn crazy. Houston and the nation became captivated by every detail.
"It just went haywire," said Hodge.
Goodman's trial in March lasted seven days. After jurors found him guilty, he was sent to jail to await his sentence. A judge is scheduled to decide that sentence on April 30. A 30-year prison term is possible. Goodman's lawyers have filed paperwork to appeal the jury's decision.
The civil suit between Goodman and the victim's family was dismissed and likely settled. As far as the adoption, right now it's been approved by a judge, but lawyers representing Goodman's children have asked the judge to reconsider. The case is still pending in a Florida court.
Hutchins has visited Goodman in jail. She was recently listed as "fiancé" on the jail visitor sign-in sheet.
It's just another chapter in a bizarre and tragic story of Houston millionaire who once had it all.