Pasadena Man Sentenced to 77 years for Killing Sister in San Gabriel; Curses and Spits at Judge after Sentencing

A 32-year-old man was sentenced last week to 77 years to life in state prison for fatally shooting his sister in 2015, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

– Courtesy photo

On Feb. 23, a jury found Johnny Goins of Pasadena guilty of four counts: one count of first-degree murder, one count of willful, premeditated and deliberate attempted murder and two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling.

Jurors also found true a special allegation that the defendant personally and intentionally discharged a firearm that caused death during the commission of the murder.

At the sentencing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Jared Moses also ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $14,200 to the California Victim Compensation Board and $1,300 to the victim’s mother for funeral expenses.

Deputy District Attorney Presciliano Duran of the Victim Impact Program, who prosecuted the case, said at the time of the crime Johnny Goins was angry with his sister, Tanaya Goins, 32.

Goins cursed and spat at the judge after he was sentenced to 77 years for killing his sister. – Courtesy photo

Johnny Goins cursed and spat at Alhambra Superior Court Judge Jared Moses as he was being led away by bailiffs after his sentencing, according to Sarah Ardalani, Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Moses calmly asked the court reporter to make a note of Goins behavior, for the record according to PIO Ardalani.

According to evidence presented at trial, Johnny Goins’ girlfriend alerted Tanaya Goins that the defendant had tried to suffocate her. In a series of text messages, the girlfriend also stated the defendant told her he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder because he experienced violence as a child.

Tanaya Goins told the girlfriend that her brother did not suffer child abuse and he should not be assaulting women, the prosecutor said.

In the early morning of March 5, 2015, Johnny Goins armed himself with a revolver and went to his sister’s San Gabriel apartment, the prosecutor said. While outside of the apartment, the defendant shot multiple times through a window and the door, the prosecutor added.

Tanaya Goins was struck in the head and torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the prosecutor. The victim’s teenage son also was struck by the gunfire, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

A witness testified during trial that she saw Johnny Goins flee from the apartment after the shooting. Later the same day, the defendant was arrested in Moreno Valley, according to the prosecutor.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

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