KVBC/DT Las Vegas
News 3
Murder charges have been dropped against the two people accused of shooting and killing Joey Deom, the man found dead in the trunk if a stolen car earlier this year. One of those suspects is now out of jail, while the other is still in custody facing lesser charges.
To many, the case seemed cut and dry when Deom's body was discovered inside the trunk of a stolen car, which was inside a stolen trailer and it was only a matter of time before police had their suspects in custody.
Ex-girlfriend Bridgett Cordova and her new boyfriend, Matthew Goodner were charged with murder, but last week, that all changes.
"Based upon the District Attorney's review of lots of evidence, bad character evidence, history of violence and threatening phone calls, they decided not to go forward, and the charges were dismissed," said Robert Draskovich, Cordova's attorney.
Cordova is now free and clear. According to the police report, Goodner is the one who did the shooting after Deom tried to break into Cordova's apartment, but attorney's argued it was in self-defense.
Goodner's murder chargers were also dropped, though he may still be looking at jail time for the stolen vehicles and other unrelated crimes. For Deom's family, the news is more than disappointing.
"If it was purely self defense, then what's the need of taking him out to the desert and shooting him some more, and going out and stealing vehicles?" said Paula Adams, Deom's mother. "They were covering up a murder is exactly what they were doing."
The Deoms believe Goodner and Cordova are getting away with murder, and say the DA's office is to blame for failing to uphold justice.
According to Draskovich, Deom broke into Cordova's apartment with a shovel during the night. In Nevada, you are allowed to use deadly force if someone breaks into your home and you feel your life is threatened.
Deom's family says their fight is far from over. They say they plan to sue the DA's office for failure to prosecute.
