Tanaya Shanette Goins, a 32-year-old woman from San Gabriel, California, was tragically shot and killed on March 5, 2015. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at her apartment located in the 5100 block of Rosemead Boulevard. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon around 6:40 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Tanaya Goins with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:50 a.m. Her 13-year-old son was also struck by gunfire but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a family dispute. Tanaya's brother, Johnny Goins, was identified as the suspect. He was arrested on the same day and later charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. The conflict between the siblings escalated after Tanaya criticized Johnny for physically abusing his then-girlfriend. This criticism, conveyed through a series of text messages, enraged Johnny, leading him to arm himself with a revolver and confront his sister at her apartment. He fired multiple shots through the front door and window, fatally wounding Tanaya and injuring her son.
Johnny Goins was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. The jury found that he had personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the crime. During the trial, it was revealed that Johnny's girlfriend had informed Tanaya about his abusive behavior and his claims of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to childhood violence. Tanaya disputed these claims and advised the girlfriend that Johnny should not be assaulting women. This confrontation ultimately led to the tragic events of March 5, 2015.
Johnny Goins was sentenced to 77 years to life in state prison. The case highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and family disputes, as well as the tragic consequences that can arise from unresolved conflicts. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau conducted a thorough investigation, ensuring that justice was served for Tanaya Goins and her family.
