WELLINGTON, Fla. — More than a decade after a deadly crash that drew national attention, former polo mogul John Goodman remains behind bars as courts continue to reject multiple efforts to overturn or reduce his sentence in the death of 23-year-old Scott Wilson.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened shortly after 1 a.m. on February 12, 2010, at the intersection of Lake Worth Road and 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Investigators said Goodman was driving a black Bentley at a high rate of speed when he ran a stop sign and collided with a Hyundai driven by Scott Wilson. Wilson’s vehicle was pushed into a canal, where he drowned after becoming trapped inside.
Authorities stated Goodman left the crash scene on foot and did not call 911 until nearly an hour later. Investigators also alleged he contacted his girlfriend before contacting emergency services. Witnesses and deputies reported Goodman appeared impaired, and court records showed a later blood test measured his blood alcohol level at .177, more than twice Florida’s legal limit.
Wilson’s death sparked outrage across Palm Beach County and drew widespread media attention because of Goodman’s status in the polo community. Family members and supporters of Wilson attended court hearings for years as the case moved through appeals and retrials.
In 2012, Goodman was found guilty of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with Wilson’s death. That conviction was later overturned because of juror misconduct, but a second jury convicted him again in 2014. He ultimately received a 16-year prison sentence.
The case also drew headlines for a controversial legal move Goodman made while awaiting trial. In 2011, Goodman legally adopted his 42-year-old girlfriend, Heather Hutchins. Legal experts and attorneys involved in the case said the adoption appeared designed to allow Hutchins to gain access to portions of Goodman’s wealth and potentially shield assets from civil claims filed by Wilson’s family after the fatal crash. The unusual adoption was later challenged in court and became part of the broader public controversy surrounding the case.
Over the years, Goodman has filed numerous appeals and motions seeking a new trial or a reduced sentence. Courts repeatedly rejected claims involving alleged problems with blood testing procedures, arguments that his Bentley malfunctioned, and assertions that he received ineffective legal representation.
Recent court developments show Goodman has continued trying to challenge his conviction. Earlier rulings from higher courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court, allowed the conviction and sentence to stand.
In another post-conviction effort, Goodman sought a new trial by arguing his prior attorneys failed to properly challenge the prosecution’s toxicology evidence. A Palm Beach County judge denied that request, ruling there was not enough evidence to show the outcome of the trial would have changed.
Most recently, Goodman appeared back in court seeking another new trial, claiming ineffective counsel during earlier proceedings. Court hearings on those claims have continued while Goodman serves his sentence. He is set for release in 2028.
Public records indicate Goodman remains incarcerated while continuing to pursue post-conviction relief in the long-running case surrounding the death of Scott Wilson.
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