A mother's search for justice ten years later

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Ten years ago, Kyle Goodson never thought she would still be talking about her son's unsolved murder case.

"I've grown a lot. I've learned how to accept it, but I'm still devastated," said Goodson.

Gregory Goodson was only 16 when he was shot in the chest. His body was discovered September 30, 2005, in the woods off Simpson Road in west Mecklenburg. He had been reported missing two days earlier.

Gregory's book bag was discovered October 4th  on Bud Henderson Road, miles away. He attended North Mecklenburg High School.

Weeks after the murder, the last big piece of evidence Charlotte Mecklenburg Police shared was a picture of Gregory's black basketball shoes. Police never said where they surfaced, but they were taken from his body.

All these years, Gregory's mom believed the media coverage would help produce tips which could lead to the killer, or killers.

Now it's been a decade:  no arrest, no motive, no suspects ever named. It's a cold case, but Goodson says CMPD detectives still "put eyes on it."

"I go to bed with grief and I wake up with grief because I still think about my son," said Goodson.

She has channeled her sorrow and disappointment into speaking out against gun violence and volunteering for the police department which is trying to solve her son's case.

Goodson helped organize a support group for the families of homicide victims. For several years, they have met on Tuesday nights to share stories and help each other.

"We speak the same language," she said.

Gregory would be 26 now. His mom wonders where he would be in life.

"I think about what he could have done in life, if he'd just had the chance. It bothers me," she said.

Anyone with information on Gregory's murder can leave an anonymous tip with Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

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