Ghost Adventures Host Faces Wife in Court After Her Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

When relationships fall apart, sometimes the reasons remain private. However, now and then, a story surfaces that shocks everyone. This week, fans and followers of the TV show Ghost Adventures learned about a case that went far beyond typical marital troubles.

Aaron Goodwin, one of the show’s stars, came face-to-face with his wife, Victoria Goodwin, in court as she was sentenced for her role in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting him. The situation first came to light earlier this year when police arrested Victoria on suspicion of attempting to hire someone to kill her husband.

What made the case even stranger was the involvement of a Florida prison inmate named Grant Amato. Victoria had been in contact with Amato, who was behind bars after committing a shocking crime of his own.

Amato’s story is grim. He stole $200,000 from his family to fuel an addiction to a webcam model he met on an adult website. In a tragic turn, he killed his parents and brother before he was caught. He is now serving three life sentences without parole.

Victoria’s connection to Amato emerged when authorities found evidence on his phone, which had been confiscated in October 2024. They discovered that she had been communicating with him via text messages and Facebook while he was imprisoned.

During one exchange, Victoria allegedly wrote, “Am I a bad person? Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce.” This chilling message suggested that she was serious about the murder plan.

Victoria also stated in court.

Furthermore, Victoria reportedly provided details about Aaron’s location at the time, when he was filming Ghost Adventures in California. Prosecutors said she agreed to pay a hitman $11,515, including an upfront $2,500, to carry out the murder.

Aaron only learned about the plot after the police arrested Victoria and informed him. The charges she faced included soliciting murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Eventually, prosecutors dropped the solicitation charge in exchange for her guilty plea on the conspiracy count.

In court, Aaron spoke openly about the personal side of this nightmare. He revealed that Victoria had been unfaithful, sleeping with “multiple men” before the murder plot came to light. Despite this, he said he had tried to save their marriage.

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Victoria and Aaron in 2022

“For seven years, I thought I was in the most loving relationship with my best friend,” Aaron told the court. “Someone I trusted completely and shared my daily life with. I believed I was her one and only, and I gave everything I could to make her happy. We seemed special, and everyone else thought so, too.”

He continued,

“She made me feel unique, and she seemed sorry. At least, that’s what she told me. But then I found out she had hired someone to kill me more than once, spent almost all of our savings to keep it quiet, and fell in love with Amato. They even had a spiritual marriage while I was still her husband. She reached out to him for help to kill me until her arrest.”Getty Images

Aaron Goodwin confronted Victoria in court.

Victoria also spoke during sentencing. She apologized directly to Aaron, saying,

“I’m so sorry for the pain and anxiety I’ve caused you. I know you feel betrayed, and you have every right to. But I want you to know that I will always hold love for you. I pray you find peace and happiness, and I promise to leave your life so you can heal.”She continued, “I’m sorry for breaking us. I live with regret every day. You won’t hear from me again.” Victoria also expressed regret toward her parents, acknowledging that her actions didn’t reflect their love and support.Getty Images

The Importance of Mental Health Support

In high-stress situations like marital conflict, mental health support can be crucial. Dr. Brené Brown, a vulnerability researcher, emphasizes the importance of open conversations in relationships. She states that discussing feelings can prevent unhealthy patterns from escalating into dangerous actions.

Brown's research supports the notion that individuals who feel heard and understood are less likely to resort to extreme measures. Couples therapy, for instance, can provide a safe space to address underlying issues, fostering healthier communication and emotional regulation.

Experts underscore that relationship breakdowns often stem from poor communication. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes that many couples don’t have the tools to navigate escalating tensions. She suggests that proactive relationship education can help individuals recognize warning signs early.

Solomon advocates for couples to engage in regular check-ins, where they can express grievances constructively. This approach not only strengthens relationships but can also serve as a preventive measure against more severe conflicts, including harmful actions.

Victoria Goodwin received a prison sentence ranging from three to seven and a half years. Her case is a grim example of how relationships built on trust and love can unravel into something deeply destructive.

What began as a marriage ended with betrayal and criminal charges, leaving emotional damage that far outweighs the legal consequences. It's a sobering reminder that the people closest to us can sometimes cause the deepest harm.

Building Healthier Patterns

In cases like Aaron and Victoria Goodwin's, the implications extend beyond personal tragedy to societal reflections on mental health and relationship dynamics. Experts like Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis stress the importance of addressing conflict before it escalates. She suggests that seeking professional guidance, such as couple's therapy, can provide essential tools for conflict resolution.

Intervention can significantly alter a relationship's trajectory. By fostering communication and seeking help earlier, couples can mitigate risks, promoting healthier, more fulfilling partnerships. It's vital for individuals to prioritize mental health and open dialogue in their relationships.