One testimony into the John Goodman trial and there is already controversy.
This can be blamed on the inconsistent testimonies given by Catherine Lewter. The former bartender backpedaled significantly during her testimony on Thursday.
When she testified four years ago as part of a civil lawsuit, Catherine claimed that she poured both two and two and a half ounce shots of alcohol for Goodman and his friends. Now she testifies that the drinks contained half that amount of alcohol.
Lewter also stated that when Goodman left the bar ahead of the accident he didn’t appear to be very intoxicated.
Not only did she change her statements about the alcohol, but Lewter testified that during the civil trial she felt “intimidated” into making certain statements. She said she felt “preyed upon” and full of fear.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Alan Johnson was not convinced. In an effort to discredit her, Johnson showed footage of Lewter’s previous testimony.
The clip showed the former bartender calmly answering questions about John Goodman with no signs of emotional distress.
The woman countered that a single video clip cannot accurately demonstrate what she felt during the entire trial.
This is just the latest in a series of problems for the prosecution as it attempts to re-convict John Goodman.
He was previously convicted of DUI manslaughter for causing the death of 23-year-old Scott Wilson. He was alleged to have ignored a stop sign and crashed into Wilson’s car. The victim’s vehicle flipped upside down in a nearby canal, which caused him to drown.
The 16 year sentence was thrown out after Goodman’s lawyers were able to prove juror misconduct.
The new jury will not be able to hear evidence about the defendant’s Bentley as the state prematurely released it.
Follow live: John Goodman trial day: http://t.co/khIk7OUFBB pic.twitter.com/YrxOYP6KSj
— The Palm Beach Post (@pbpost) October 13, 2014
There was also the issue that arose while selecting jurors for the John Goodman trial.
One potential juror carelessly researched the previous trial and shared this information with another individual.
Prospective juror for the #JohnGoodman trial is under arrest for contempt of court. Jury selection is in Tampa @WPTV pic.twitter.com/WymhLmEffI
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) October 9, 2014
These series of complications suggest that re-convicting Goodman may be an uphill battle for Florida prosecutors.