Statement of Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown
The sentencing this morning of Craig Godineaux to consecutive life sentences without possibility of parole for his role in the horror that occurred last May 24th in the basement of the Wendy’s Restaurant in Flushing will, hopefully, bring some degree of comfort to the families of the victims -- and to those who survived and their families.
Four weeks ago-- when it became clear that Godineaux was mentally retarded and could not, under New York law, face the death penalty -- Godineaux accepted his fate and plead guilty to all of the charges. He -- in excruciating detail -- described his role in what has been described as one of the worst crimes to have ever occurred in this City.
Today Judge Fisher imposed sentence -- the maximum sentence allowable under the law -- consecutive life terms without possibility of parole.
Godineaux will spend the rest of his natural life in prison. He will never be released from prison. He will not be sent to a hospital or psychiatric institution. He will spend his life in an upstate maximum security prison. Justice as to him has been swift and it has been certain. The case against him is now over. There will be no appeals -- he has waived his right to appeal. He has accepted his fate. He will never again see the light of day. He will ultimately die in prison. As to him, there is finality.
To the extent that we, as prosecutors, are capable of providing some degree of closure with respect to the Godineaux case to the families of those murdered -- and to the survivors and their families -- we have done justice.
As to John Taylor, he will be tried by twelve citizens of this county who will decide his fate.