University of Virginia Library

Godine's Wife Admits Guilt
In Manslaughter Charge

By TIM WHEELER

Caroline Watson Godine pleaded guilty
December 20 to the charge of involuntary
manslaughter in the shooting death of her
husband, Richard L. Godine.

Judge David F. Berry, presiding over
the trial in Albemarle Circuit Court,
sentenced Mrs. Godine to a fine of
$1,000.

Mr. Godine, Director of the University
Development and a Charlottesville
businessman, suffered a gunshot wound
in the thigh at his home in Earlysville on
the evening of November 16, following
what was termed "a scuffle".

He died November 29 from a cardiac
arrest and complications developed
resulting from the wound, according to
the medical reports.

Commonwealth's Attorney Charles R.
Haugh outlined the facts of the case
revealed by a recent investigation
conducted by police investigator R. P.
Rainey and Det. Lt. James L. Higgins.
The prosecution did not call any
witnesses, due to the guilty plea.

Mr. Haugh said the investigation
established that the shooting occurred in
the Godine residence about 7:30 p.m. Mr.
Godine was shot by his own gun,
12-gauge shotgun.

After Mr. Godine was wounded, Mr.
Haugh stated that Mrs. Godine applied a
tourniquet to his leg, attempting to stop
the bleeding, and then called the
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad.

Mr. Godine was taken to the hospital
by the squad, according to Mr. Haugh,
while Mrs. Godine was admitted to Davis
Ward of the hospital.

Mr. Haugh said Mr. Godine told
Albemarle Sheriff George W. Bailey at the
hospital that there was no question in his
mind that the shooting was accidental.

As a result of the investigation, the
Commonwealth Attorney office declared
that "Mr. Godine's death was not the
result of a malicious or intentional act."

Yet, while Mrs. Godine did not intend
to kill her husband, the office determined
that the shooting was not purely
accidental. Thus, a charge of involuntary
manslaughter was appropriate under the
law, Mr. Haugh explained.

The defense in the trial called only one
witness, Douglas Godine, the victim's
brother, who claimed to be a personal
friend to both Mr. and Mrs. Godine.

He told the court that, in talks with his
brother in the hospital, Mr. Godine had
assured him that the shooting was
completely unintentional and had
occurred during what he termed a scuffle.

An argument had preceded the scuffle
and shooting, it was disclosed. Mr.
Douglas Godine offered no further
elaboration.

Before pronouncing the sentence,
Judge Berry explained that he was taking
into account the peculiar circumstances
of this case, plus the fact that, while Mr.
Godine was being treated for the wound,
he did not consider prosecuting his wife.

"The recollection of the event itself,"
the judge said "is enough punishment for
someone involved in a matter like this."