Man Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman
A man accused of a horrific daylight shooting that claimed the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Cordell Goosby, who was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the June 2023 incident, will now be committed to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
The ruling means that while Goosby has admitted to carrying out the brutal attack, he will not face criminal responsibility due to his mental state at the time of the offense. His defense team successfully argued for an insanity plea, a position supported by both a defense expert and an independent evaluator hired by the prosecution.
The Tragic Event
The incident occurred on June 13, 2023, as 34-year-old Eina Kwon, who was eight months pregnant with her second child, and her husband, Evan Sung Kwon, were en route to their Japanese restaurant, Aburiya Bento House. As their white Tesla sat at a red light at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street in Seattle, Goosby allegedly ran towards their vehicle and opened fire through the driver’s side window.
Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a man fleeing the scene with a rifle. In the immediate aftermath, Evan Sung Kwon was found injured in the street, having instinctively shielded his wife from the gunfire. Despite his efforts, Eina Kwon sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and head.
Devastating Consequences
Eina Kwon was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where medical professionals performed an emergency cesarean section in a desperate attempt to save her unborn child. Tragically, Eina Kwon was pronounced dead shortly after giving birth, and her baby also died soon after. Her husband, who was shot in the arm, was treated and released.
A friend, Dong Won, shared the family’s grief in a crowdfunding appeal, detailing how Evan Sung Kwon managed to hold his daughter for a brief moment to say goodbye. While bullets were removed from his arm, fragments remained, though thankfully no bones or nerves were significantly affected.
Apprehension and Confession
Authorities quickly located Goosby, who reportedly surrendered by raising his hands and exclaiming, “I did it! I did it!” Court documents reveal that Goosby claimed he fired at the vehicle because he believed the occupants had a gun, despite surveillance footage appearing to show him approaching the window with his weapon extended.
Goosby allegedly admitted to struggling with mental health issues and appeared to be in a crisis state at the time of his arrest. Bodycam footage showed him telling officers his life was “in danger.” He later stated in police custody, “I blacked out with everything, so it was kind of like a blur.”
Further investigation revealed Goosby’s criminal history in Illinois, including multiple drug and weapons charges, as well as theft. He was prohibited from owning a firearm, and the weapon used in the Seattle attack was believed to be stolen.
The Insanity Defense and Future Custody
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has approved the not guilty by reason of insanity ruling. This legal determination signifies that while Goosby committed the acts, his severe mental illness prevented him from understanding the nature or wrongfulness of his conduct.
Under Washington state law, Goosby will be committed to the custody of the Department of Social and Health Services for intensive treatment at a secure psychiatric facility, such as Western State Hospital.
Reassurance for the Public
Officials have moved to reassure the public that this ruling does not equate to an immediate release. The statement from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office emphasized that Mr. Goosby will not be released to the community in the near future.
His confinement in a psychiatric hospital could be lifelong, subject to ongoing reviews by state officials to assess whether he continues to pose a threat. Any potential future request for a reduction in restrictions or release would undergo rigorous scrutiny by prosecutors, the court, and a state safety panel. Ultimately, the court will retain full authority over any decision regarding Goosby’s unconditional release.
Prosecutors also clarified that a homicide charge for an unborn child is generally not applicable unless the baby is born alive. In this case, there was insufficient evidence to pursue manslaughter charges, as it was unclear if Goosby was aware of Eina Kwon’s pregnancy. The legal team indicated that a trial would have proceeded had their expert found Goosby to be sane at the time of the shooting.
