Father TEARS INTO Killer Of His 13-Year-Old Daughter

How would you feel if your child was killed by an alcohol and drug-fueled crash? Probably like this man, who tore into his child’s killer in a courtroom.

At a glance:

  • A grieving father delivered an emotional statement in court after his 13-year-old daughter, Claire Zisserson, was killed in a 2019 crash caused by a drunk and cocaine-fueled driver, Gregory Goodsell.
  • Goodsell, who had a history of 35 driving offenses, ran a red light at 70mph and crashed into the Zisserson family’s vehicle, killing Claire and injuring her mother and friend.
  • Goodsell was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder and motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, with eligibility for parole after 28 years.

In a heart-wrenching courtroom scene, Ken Zisserson, the father of 13-year-old Claire Zisserson, recounted the devastation his family has endured after Claire was tragically killed in a 70mph crash caused by Gregory Goodsell, a drunk driver under the influence of cocaine. The fatal crash occurred in December 2019 in Pembroke, Massachusetts, following Goodsell’s attendance at a Christmas party. Claire’s mother, Elizabeth, and her friend, Kendall Zemotel, were also severely injured in the collision.

Watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57e-sT2fhHQ

Ken Zisserson emotionally shared the moment he had to sign his daughter’s organ donation papers, marking the loss of hope. “It’s not natural to be handed a pen to sign a form approving your daughter as an organ donor,” he said, bringing many in the courtroom to tears. Claire’s mother, Elizabeth, also expressed her devastation, saying, “After Claire died, I didn’t want to live.”

Gregory Goodsell, 36, who was found with a blood alcohol content of 0.266—more than three times the legal limit—pleaded guilty to his crimes and expressed deep remorse. He admitted that his reckless decisions had taken the life of a bright young girl with a promising future. Goodsell, who had racked up 35 previous driving offenses, stated tearfully, “If I could go back to that day and die, instead of Claire, I would in a heartbeat.”

Despite Goodsell’s emotional apology, Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz dismissed his tears as self-pity. Cruz emphasized that every decision comes with a consequence, and if Goodsell had made better choices that night, Claire would still be alive. Goodsell was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while under the influence, and other charges. He will be eligible for parole after serving 28 years, minus time already served.

The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the Zisserson family, as both parents reflected on how their lives have been shattered by Claire’s death. Elizabeth shared how the loss of her daughter has profoundly changed her, saying, “My world changed the day that Claire was killed. I don’t recognize the person I am today.”

As the sentencing concluded, the court hoped that the families impacted by this horrific crash could begin to heal and find some closure.