In the autumn of 2020, a tragic event cut short the life of 15-year-old Jonathan Gonzalez, a male resident of Millington, Tennessee. On the morning of November 29, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m., law enforcement responded to a call in the 6000 block of Covington Pike Road in north Shelby County. Upon their arrival, they discovered Gonzalez deceased from a gunshot wound to his chest.
Investigators learned that Gonzalez and his older brother had arranged to meet with two individuals for
a planned purchase. During this encounter, the situation escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting of the teenager. The ensuing investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office quickly led them to identify Desmond Goodwyn, a 20-year-old from Drummonds, Tennessee, and another man as suspects.
Utilizing cell phone data, authorities tracked Goodwyn to the Hickory Hill area. A search of the residence where he was found yielded several weapons, cell phones, and drugs. During questioning, Goodwyn reportedly admitted his involvement in the incident. He stated that he and his cousin had followed Gonzalez to Covington Pike for the prearranged transaction. According to his account, a gun was drawn during the interaction, and he subsequently shot Gonzalez. Goodwyn also confessed to taking Gonzalez's firearm, disassembling it, and discarding it in a wooded area.
Following his arrest, Desmond Goodwyn faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery. In April 2021, a Shelby County grand jury indicted the now 21-year-old Goodwyn on charges of first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, and aggravated robbery. He was held in the Shelby County Jail as the legal proceedings against him commenced. The case was assigned to be handled by the District Attorney's Vertical Team 3.
