Chattanooga Man to Enter Plea on Murder Charge Next Week

On July 10, 2024, Lawrence Goodine, a 43-year-old Chattanooga resident, is expected to enter a plea on a first-degree murder charge in relation to the death of his former girlfriend. The charges against Goodine, which were set forth before a grand jury, also encompass aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, and violating a no-contact order. He appeared virtually last Wednesday before Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman, and is scheduled for a formal reading of the charges on July 19.

Former Chattanooga Cop Faces Murder Charges

Due to Goodine’s previous role as a Chattanooga police officer, he will most likely not be able to be represented by a public defender.

According to charges filed, Goodine allegedly strangled and killed 48-year-old Kara Akins on Nov. 28. Following a police welfare check, Akins was discovered in her home with physical trauma indicating an altercation. Goodine was arrested on Dec. 15 in Cookville, Tennessee, after the cause of Akins’ death was officially determined as a homicide by a medical examiner.

Violation of No-Contact Order and Previous Records

At the time of her demise, Akins and Goodine were prohibited from contacting or interacting with one another due to orders set by the court. This restriction extended to the consumption of alcohol or controlled substances. Prior to her death, the police were summoned to Akins’ residence following a domestic disturbance report. The officers, however, were unable to discern the main instigator of the incident, and as such, both parties were arrested and issued with the no-contact orders. Following this incident, the two were ordered to refrain from all forms of direct or indirect communication with each other.

Goodine has previously had a tenuous relationship with law enforcement. He was discharged from the Chattanooga Police Department in 2007 following an internal investigation that determined he was involved in theft while on duty, falsifying reports, and violating various other procedures. In connection to the findings of the investigation, Goodine stood trial facing charges of official oppression and theft, however, in 2008 a jury found him not guilty on all counts.

Upcoming Steps in the Legal Process

Goodine, who is presently detained at the Hamilton County Jail, expressed his intentions during his virtual court appearance of discussing his legal representation options with his family. The formal reading of his charges was deferred to July 19 to allow for these discussions to take place.

As legal proceedings unfold, the entire Chattanooga community continues to be affected by the circumstances surrounding the death of Kara Akins and the involvement of Lawrence Goodine. Here News Network will continue to provide accurate and timely information as developments arise on this case.