A man responsible for the carjacking and killing of a woman who was once the subject of a missing persons
A man responsible for the carjacking and killing of a woman who was once the subject of a missing persons investigation has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.
On January 27, 2026, 39-year-old Brandon Jermaine Francisco was sentenced to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to a carjacking that resulted in the death of 32-year-old Ella Goodie, a rideshare driver who had been missing for more than three years before her case was confirmed as a homicide.
“Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant will spend the rest of his life in federal prison for a brutal and senseless crime,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “While no prison sentence can repay or erase the loss suffered by Goodie’s family, including her young children, this case reflects our commitment alongside our state and federal partners to hold violent offenders accountable and pursue justice for victims.”
Goodie disappeared on March 9, 2022, after agreeing to provide transportation for Francisco, who contacted her seeking a long-distance ride. The two arranged to meet in Lafayette Parish, where Goodie planned to drive Francisco toward Houston, Texas. After leaving Houston, they traveled eastbound back into Louisiana.
Authorities say that while near Iowa, Louisiana, Francisco took control of the vehicle, shot Goodie multiple times, and disposed of her body before fleeing in her car. He continued traveling and ultimately reached Missouri.
Francisco was arrested on March 25, 2022, approximately two weeks after Goodie was last seen. At the time of his arrest, investigators say he was in possession of the firearm used in the killing as well as the key fob to Goodie’s vehicle. He later admitted to the crime while pleading guilty in federal court.
“Convicted carjacker Brandon Jermaine Francisco will be permanently removed from society and unable to hurt the people of Louisiana ever again,” said Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim, and we are so sorry for your loss.”
