Tyler Goodson of âS-Townâ podcast killed by police in Woodstock
Tyler Goodson, the popular “S-Town” podcast character, was killed by police over the weekend.
Goodson, 32, posted this on Facebook Sunday: “Police bout to shoot me down in my own yard.’’
Woodstock Mayor Jeff Dodson said officers were called to Goodson’s home.
Dodson said multiple law enforcement agencies responded to Goodson’s home. He did not release the nature of the initial 911 call.
They spent three hours trying to talk Goodson out of the house before he was shot.
The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe.
Dodson released this statement Monday morning:
“Yesterday, I woke up to the news of a tragedy. I received requests from the media to comment and release this young man’s name within hours of his passing.
“I don’t believe that I had the right to do that until 24 hours had passed in order to allow his family to be notified.
“Now that this time has passed I am devastated to let you know that Tyler Goodson was the young man involved. Woodstock Police were dispatched to a 911 call, they requested backup upon arrival, and were assisted by multiple agencies. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation is now in charge.
“I know that everyone wants answers and details, myself included. Tyler was well known and loved by myself, his family and this community. That love extends far beyond due to the S-Town podcast.
“Please remember at this time that he is so much more than a character to the fans who loved him. This young man was a father, son, brother and friend to many.”
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Jeremy Burkett said shooting happened early Sunday near the 500 Block of Georgia Loop in Woodstock in Bibb County.
Goodson, Burkett said, had barricaded himself in the residence and a stand-off ensued.
During the course of the incident, Goodson brandished a gun at officers and Goodson was shot, Burkett said.
Burkett said once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office.
Goodson and the small Bibb County town of Woodstock were featured in the hit podcast “S-Town,” from the makers of “Serial” and “This American Life.” The podcast was downloaded 40 million times worldwide within a month of its March release.
“S-Town” focused on a man who lived in Woodstock named John B. McLemore.
Podcast host Brian Reed begins the podcast to investigate a murder, but the story changes when McLemore dies instead. McLemore and Goodson were close friends and were described in the podcast as having a father-son relationship.
Goodson said in the podcast that McLemore promised him, in the event of his death, McLemore’s land and custody of his mother Mary Grace; however, McLemore did not leave a will and the estate went to his mother. Mary Grace was eventually placed in the care of McLemore’s cousin, and Goodson was warned by law enforcement not to go back onto the property without permission. However, Goodson said he went back to the property numerous times and took several items he claimed were his.
In 2017, Goodson pleaded guilty to charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft of property and third-degree criminal trespassing in connection with McLemore’s land.
Following his plea, Goodson received a suspended 10-year sentence with five years of probation.