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Man gets life term in daughter’s beating death

A 34-year-old Lame Deer man was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for a lengthy beating that led to the death of his 6-year-old daughter.

U. S. District Judge Richard Cebull sentenced Adrian G. Goodbear for the Aug. 30, 2008, death of Lyrik Goodbear.

According to court documents, the gi r l was beaten and kicked by her father for about 20 minutes on Aug. 28, 2008, and Goodbear initially rejected efforts to seek medical help. Lyrik died at a Denver hospital.

An autopsy found the girl died of blunt force trauma to the head, but she also had bruises and abrasions on almost every surface of her body as well as internal injuries, including a lacerated liver and spleen.

As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Goodbear pleaded guilty in February to seconddegree murder. He was initially charged with first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence.

"If the defendant would do this to his own flesh and blood, what would he do to a stranger?"

Cebull asked. "A life sentence is the only sentence that is appropriate."

The judge took a deep breath as he referred to a conclusion by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, about children's needs. There was no greater need "than for a father's protection.

Just the opposite occurred here," Cebull said in a choked voice.

Court records say Goodbear's wife, Marcia Ann Goodbear, is expected to plead guilty Aug. 18 to assault charges involving Adrian Goodbear's younger daughter, Stormie, and with failing to report the assault on Lyrik.

 

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