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Suspect’s half brother was killed in what city police say was an attempted robbery.
WILKES-BARRE – A woman who aided in the hiding of a man wanted in connection with an incident that led to the shooting death of his half brother was sentenced Wednesday to one-year probation.
Michelle Ashley Williams, 21, of North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, who previously pleaded guilty, was sentenced by Luzerne County Court Judge Hugh Mundy on charges of hindering the apprehension or prosecution of a wanted person. Williams, also known as “Little Bit,” was ordered to serve 25 hours of community service in addition to her probation.
According to court records, on Dec. 5 the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and Wilkes-Barre police were investigating the murder of Donald Spry at a South Hancock Street home.
Investigators said Spry and his half brother, Jared Thomas Goodwin, were together at the time of the shooting. Goodwin, police said, is an escapee from the Glen Mills Schools, a private, residential program for court-adjudicated delinquents outside Philadelphia.
Goodwin, 17, who was Williams’ boyfriend, faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery and recklessly endangering another person stemming from the incident. Police have said they believe he and Spry went to the house to steal drugs.
Police have alleged Fernando Gotay shot and killed the 22-year-old Spry at the South Hancock Street home during a scuffle. Gotay, 25, who was scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 14 on charges of voluntary manslaughter and intent to possess a controlled substance, asked for a new sentencing date so he and his attorney can await results of forensic testing on a 9 mm handgun and the bullet that allegedly killed Spry.
According to police, Gotay and Peter Melendez arrived at Matthew Garcia’s house to sell marijuana, when Spry, Goodwin and Tyree Harris entered. Spry went into a bathroom and emerged with a handgun that he aimed at Melendez, telling him to give him money. Gotay pulled out a 9 mm handgun, and Goodwin displayed another handgun.
During a fight between Melendez and Spry for control of a handgun, multiple shots were fired, prosecutors said. Gotay was wounded in his arm and pulled Melendez off Spry before shooting Spry in the chest.
Police alleged Williams knew where Goodwin was after the shooting, but didn’t cooperate with police in trying to locate him.
Police said they followed Williams to a home in Hanover Township, where the homeowners said Goodwin had previously been staying since his escape from the Glen Mills.
Goodwin’s case has been put on the October trial list.