A Hamilton County jury Friday convicted Lawrence Goodine of first-degree felony murder for the November 2023 death of Kara Akins. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Officers escorted Goodine, 46, out of the courtroom in handcuffs after jurors found him guilty of felony murder in the perpetration of aggravated kidnapping. Jurors reduced Goodine’s other two first-degree murder charges to second-degree murder.
The jury also convicted the former Chattanooga police officer of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal trespass, evidence tampering and violating a no-contact order.
Jurors had an exceedingly difficult case, according to prosecutor Paul Moyle. He said by text he was grateful for the family’s patience throughout the process.
“This case is proof that the wheels of justice turn slowly,” Moyle said, “but grind exceedingly fine.”