Parole denied for drunk driver convicted in fatal hit-and-run crash

Jordyn Reimer, 24, was killed by a drunk driving in a hit-and-run crash on May 1, 2022. (Source: Doug Reimer and Karen Reimer)

A Winnipeg man convicted in a fatal impaired driving crash was denied parole last week.

Tyler Goodman is serving a total of seven years in connection with the death of Jordyn Reimer on May 1, 2022. He was sentenced in November 2023 on a charge of impaired driving causing death, and a consecutive sentence of one year for failing to stop at the scene of a crash.

Goodman, now 32-years-old, was denied both full and day parole during an in-person Parole Board of Canada hearing on September 17.

According to the board’s decision, members found Goodman isn’t ready to be released from jail.

“The board is not satisfied that you have done all that you need to or can do while in custody and at this point in your sentence, your risk to the community and to public safety is undue.”

In the 11-page decision, the board outlined the circumstances leading to the crash that claimed Reimer’s life.

Goodman had been out with friends in Transcona and consumed nine or 10 drinks before getting behind the wheel. He said he was planning to drop friends off at a party on his way home.

According to the agreed statement of facts, a friend of Goodman’s attempted to take away his keys because he was too drunk to drive, but another friend got them back.

Goodman also declined a ride from another friend.

“You made the decision to drive with three passengers after leaving the bar,” the decision wrote.

Goodman, travelling at 108 km/h, ran a stop sign and crashed his truck in Reimer’s vehicle at the intersection of Bond Street and Kildare Avenue West.

Reimer, 24, was the designated driver for a group of her friends. She was taken to hospital but died from her injuries.

Goodman and his passengers left the scene on foot despite witnesses urging them not to leave.

“You confirmed you did not check on the victim and did not call for help, suggesting you were fearful and confused, as nothing like this had happened to you before and you did not know what to do,” the board wrote.

The decision stated Goodman said he made an impulsive decision to drive that night and that he had been dealing with family issues and an argument with an ex-girlfriend.

The board questioned if his actions could be deemed “impulsive” noting the attempts to confiscate his keys, and that there were other ways he could have got home that night.

Goodman’s mother picked him up following the crash and took him home. The pair later went to the hospital, and finally to police headquarters about 15 hours after the collision so Goodman could turn himself in.

Goodman’s mother was charged and convicted with obstruction of justice for picking him up and not communicating with police immediately.

Seventeen victim impact statements were shared during the parole board hearing from family and friends of Jordyn Reimer.

The board noted the statements were “heartfelt, compelling and consistent in their opposition for [Goodman’s] release” and highlighted the ongoing trauma and psychological impacts related to the case.

Family and friends questioned Goodman’s rehabilitation and sincerity, and expressed they’ve lost confidence in the justice system. They also made pleas to the board to not grant Goodman release.

“They expressed concerns for their safety and the safety of innocent persons in the community as they believe you will reoffend,” the board wrote.

“The board notes that the emotions exhibited were raw, and clearly the healing process is ongoing.”

During the hearing, Goodman said “no words can express the guilt and harm caused” and stated that he wished he could go back and change what happened.

Goodman would have been sent to live at a halfway house with several conditions in place if day parole had been granted.

The decision noted Goodman participated in an impaired driver program while he was on bail, however, the board expressed concerned he hasn’t sought counselling or additional support while behind bars.

Goodman denied that he has a drinking problem but said he would attend Alcoholic Anonymous meetings once he got out of prison. He added that has no desire to ever drink again.

At the conclusion of the decision, the board wrote Goodman would benefit from counselling and needs to better understand the impacts of substance use.

In addition to the jail sentence, Goodman is banned from driving for 10 years, under a 10-year weapons and firearms ban, and is subject to multiple non-communication orders with Reimer’s family.