Brian Goodrich was found not guilty “by reason of mental disease or defect” in Schoharie County Court Friday, according to District Attorney Susan Mallery.
Mr. Goodrich was the man accused of shooting at buildings in West Fulton 18 months ago.
In court, Mr. Goodrich could have been found guilty, not guilty or guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, Ms. Mallery said. The third choice was the verdict.
“It’s extremely rare,” she said. “In 30 years, we’ve had only one other case.”
It was in March 2022 that State Police charged Mr. Goodrich, who lives in West Fulton, with using a hunting rifle to fire shots at the West Fulton Firehouse, Sap Bush Café and a resident’s outdoor pool.
Troopers charged him with criminal mischief, and that’s what he was tried on.
After Friday’s verdict, Mr. Goodrich was committed to the Schoharie County Jail, and will be evaluated by a psychiatrist and psychologist; both will be appointed by the state.
If Mr. Goodrich is found to have mental disease or defect, he will be confined for a time in a psychiatric facility, Ms. Mallery said.
“He’s definitely suffering from delusions and hallucinations,” she said.
If Mr. Goodrich is found to be competent, he still must stand trial for criminal contempt.
That charge stems from the Red Flag Law; Mr. Goodrich had guns after he was ordered not to have any following the 2022 shootings.
Police use the Red Flag Law if there’s an extreme risk, “such as someone with a propensity for violence,” Ms. Mallery said last month.
The District Attorney had no comment on the verdict that came before Judge Ryan McAllister, though she noted that Mr. Goodrich caused $65,000 in damages in the shootings.
Several times over the past 18 months West Fulton residents expressed fear that Mr. Goodrich remained in their hamlet.
Residents anticipated his trial as a way to see justice served and––they hoped––make their community safer again.
The prospect now of Mr. Goodrich returning to West Fulton at some point generated concern.
“What does that mean for us?” one resident asked, requesting anonymity for safety.
“I’m hoping we’re not going back to the same old, same old. I’m speechless. The world makes no sense.”
Ms. Mallery was sympathetic, adding the law must be followed.
“We’re all fearful of what happened in Maine,” she said, referring to the recent shootings there, “but we have to follow New York State law. New York State law is what it is.”