Maurice Goins‘ remains were discovered during a welfare check at a residence in Lakewood, Ohio.
While the authorities were unable to make an arrest at first, the assistance of confidential informants led to the identification of a suspect in the case.
‘The Murder Tapes: The Bloody Footprint,’ a show on Investigation Discovery, tells the narrative of Maurice’s death and how a slew of physical evidence linked the killer to the case.
So, how about we find out more about what happened?
What Caused Maurice Goins’ Death?
Maurice K Goins was born in California and migrated to Ohio over two decades ago to start a new life.
The 53-year-old, affectionately known as “Mo,” was a cheerful and easygoing character. Maurice was close to his mother in California and maintained in touch with her while living in Lakewood.
He was working at Boston Market in Lakewood at the time of the event and, according to his family, was going to return to his native state.
When Maurice’s loved ones couldn’t reach him, they were concerned. Nobody had heard from him since he stopped showing up to work.
Finally, on August 6, 2017, a friend came to his flat and requested a welfare check. The investigators broke in through a window and discovered Maurice’s body in the bedroom, covered in clothing and trash.
He’d been taken out of the kitchen with multiple stab wounds to his head, neck, and chest. Maurice also sustained defensive wounds to his hand and laryngeal damage.
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Maurice Goins: Who Killed Him?
The television at Maurice’s home was missing, indicating a suspected burglary gone wrong, according to the authorities.
A knife was also discovered near the deceased, which was taken for forensic testing. While a witness claimed to have seen a man with a cane leave with a television, the authorities had no additional leads.
The investigation met a brick wall, aggravating the investigators.
However, in June 2018, the case received a major break when confidential informants identified Charles Muscatello, a 39-year-old homeless man, as the person responsible for Maurice’s death.
According to the informants, Charles informed them of Maurice’s stabbing. When the authorities investigated him, they discovered he had a long criminal record.
In the past, Charles had been charged with burglary, theft, robbery, and attempted escape.
Soon after, Charles was apprehended and interrogated. He admitted to the murder right away but claimed self-defense.
The two were buddies, and the 39-year-old had previously visited Maurice at his flat. According to Charles, Maurice assaulted him with a steak knife on the day of the incident, leading him to defend himself.
While Charles claimed that he only stabbed Maurice once, the autopsy revealed a considerably more gruesome picture.
He also stated that he received the television in exchange for sexual favours.
What happened to Charles Muscatello And Where Is He?
ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORITIES, the DNA of Charles was detected on Maurice’s body, as well as the handle of the knife and a cane found at the crime scene.
Furthermore, bloody footprints found at the flat matched Charles’ shoes, which he admitted to wearing at the time of the murder.
After pleading guilty to murder, aggravated robbery, and burglary, Charles was sentenced to death.
He was condemned to life in prison in February 2019, with the chance of parole after twenty years.
Charles is still detained in the Trumbull Correctional Institution in Leavittsburg, Ohio, according to prison records. In 2038, he will be eligible for parole.
