Truck Driver Sentenced to Life Without Parole in South Georgia for Murder of Former Fiancé
Jason Palmer, 47, of Littleton, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10 years, for the 2022 stabbing death of his former fiancé, Jessica Goodrich, 45, of Worcester, Massachusetts.
A Camden County jury found Palmer guilty on August 29, 2024, of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Concealing the Death of Another.
Evidence presented at trial showed that in September 2022, Palmer, a long-distance truck driver, convinced Goodrich to join him on a month-long trucking assignment. The couple traveled from Massachusetts to Florida and then to a truck stop in Camden County, Georgia.
While at the truck stop, Palmer fatally stabbed Goodrich, concealed her body in a wooded area, and removed any identifying items. Goodrich’s body was discovered on October 8, 2022.
Investigators identified Goodrich through her fingerprints and Palmer became the prime suspect due to circumstantial evidence and a history of abuse, including threats to kill her.
Evidence presented at trial included:
- Palmer’s false claim to Goodrich’s son that she left him in Florida.
- Photographs of Goodrich’s injuries from Palmer choking her.
- Goodrich’s statement to her son that she feared for her life and intended to leave Palmer.
- GPS and cell phone evidence placing Palmer at the location where Goodrich’s body was found.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Hal Moroz and Assistant District Attorney Cameron Atwood. The investigation was led by former Camden County Sheriff’s Office Captain and current St. Marys Police Chief, James Galloway, with key investigative work done by Lt. Erica Rafferty and Lt. Nathan Daniel.
