Mysti Amber Goddard, a 32-year-old white female from Amarillo, Texas, was found dead on April 21, 2018, in a ditch on County Road 510 in southwestern Castro County. The discovery was made following a 911 call reporting a person lying in a ditch. Upon arrival, the Castro County Sheriff's Office personnel determined that Mysti had died from a gunshot wound.
The investigation into her death was conducted by the Castro County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with the Texas Rangers.
The investigation quickly identified Mark Longoria, a 36-year-old male from Earth, Texas, as a suspect. Longoria was arrested later that evening with the assistance of the Lamb County Sheriff's Office. Evidence was collected from several locations in Earth, Texas, tied to the homicide investigation. Longoria was booked into the Castro County Jail for murder and was arraigned on April 23, 2018, with his bond set at $100,000.
The case proceeded to trial, where Longoria pleaded guilty to the charge of murder. The trial took place in the 242nd District Court, presided over by Judge Kregg Hukill. The state, represented by Castro County District Attorney Shalyn Hamlin and Assistant District Attorney Maverik Gfeller, presented evidence of the crime, Longoria's prior criminal history, and prior domestic assaults between Longoria and Mysti Goddard. The defense presented evidence from Longoria's family and testimony from a forensic neuropsychologist.
After three days of testimony and closing arguments, Judge Hukill rendered a verdict of life in prison for Longoria, along with a $1,000 fine. The case was described as a "horrific crime" by District Attorney Shalyn Hamlin, who expressed gratitude for the work of the Texas Rangers and the Castro County Sheriff's Office in their investigation. The investigation revealed that Longoria had confessed to shooting Mysti Goddard and leaving her body in a secluded area in southwestern Castro County. Longoria was remanded back to the custody of the Castro County Sheriff's Office until he could be transported to prison.
The tragic death of Mysti Amber Goddard and the subsequent trial of Mark Longoria highlighted the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to bring justice to the victim and her family. The case served as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crimes.
