Ex-Hercules cop gets prison for attacking wife

ANTIOCH, Calif. (Henry Lee/KTVU) - A former Hercules police officer was sentenced Friday to more than 28 years in prison for trying to kill his estranged wife in a drive-by shooting in Antioch.

John Goodner showed no visible emotion as Judge John Kennedy of Contra Costa County Superior Court pronounced sentence in Martinez. A jury previously convicted Goodner of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, criminal threats and stalking.

In January 2015, Goodner drove by his wife Cindy's home and fired several rounds into her bedroom. She was awakened by the gunfire but was not hurt.

Cindy, who did not want her last name used, told KTVU she was frustrated by many delays in the case. But she said getting justice was worth the wait.  

“I'd like to speak to all the women out there who are suffering from domestic violence to be your own voice, and to be strong no matter what position the person holds,” Cindy said. “Stand up for yourself, even when it seems the fight is long, because this was a long, long haul. Hang in there."

In a request for a restraining order, Cindy wrote that Goodner stalked her, walked around her neighborhood, would drive drunk past her house and send messages of what he could see going on there.

He even put a tracking device on her car.

Cindy told 2 Investigates that when she called Antioch police, officers would give him special treatment, by driving him home or telling him to “cut it out.” Antioch police have not responded to repeated requests for comment on this case.

The shooting happened just days after she asked for the restraining order.

“I'm glad today she's received justice. It's been a long time coming,” said Chris Sansoe, the deputy district attorney who handled the case. “She's been very brave throughout this process. But I think again, as was resonated throughout the trial, no one is above the law, especially police officers."

Goodner was with the Hercules Police Department for more than 10 years.

His attorney tried unsuccessfully Friday to argue for a new trial.

“At this point, obviously we're disappointed with the verdict, but more importantly, we were disappointed with the result of the new trial motion,” said defense attorney Dirk Manoukian.