MICHAEL EUGENE “SLICK” GOODE | 'Simply trying to help': Stranded Man Hacked To Death Do-Gooder With Machete After Receiving Ride From Him In The Middle Of The Night | Given A Life Sentence Without The Possibility Of Release | ALS

Michael Goode. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Columbia, SC. January 17, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

Michael Eugene Goode

Background Information

Michael Eugene Goode, also known as “Slick,” is a 50-year-old man who was convicted of the murder of Rodney Watson, a 66-year-old man from St. Marys, Georgia. The incident occurred on July 8, 2020, in Burton, South Carolina. Goode’s actions were characterized by extreme violence and brutality, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Details of the Incident

The events leading to the murder began when Rodney Watson was driving with his niece late at night. They encountered Goode stranded in the roadway and decided to offer him a ride. Upon arriving at their destination on Horton Road, Goode attacked Watson’s niece. When Watson attempted to intervene and protect her, Goode violently assaulted him with a machete.

Witnesses reported that Goode inflicted at least six stab wounds on Watson, primarily targeting his back. The fatal injury resulted from a severed artery in Watson’s left arm, as confirmed by forensic testimony during the trial. After the attack, deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office found Goode wielding the machete at the scene but he fled before being apprehended.

Trial and Conviction

Goode was arrested later that day after returning to the scene and was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a violent crime. During his trial, DNA evidence linked him to both the weapon used in the attack and blood belonging to Watson found on his clothing. Initially claiming an alibi, Goode later changed his story during testimony, admitting to remembering his actions but citing fear as his motive for attacking Watson.

After a three-day jury trial at Beaufort County Courthouse, he was found guilty of murder and possession of a deadly weapon. Circuit Court Judge Marvin H. Dukes III sentenced him to life imprisonment for murder and an additional five years for the weapon charge; these sentences are to be served concurrently.

Criminal History

Prior to this conviction, Michael Eugene Goode had an extensive criminal record that included multiple convictions for drug distribution (specifically crack cocaine), assault and battery charges, domestic violence incidents, resisting arrest, and providing false information. This history contributed to his classification as a habitual offender within South Carolina’s legal system.

In summary, Michael Eugene Goode is now serving a life sentence without parole following his conviction for murdering Rodney Watson in what has been described as an unprovoked act of violence against someone who was simply trying to help him.

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