WOODSTOCK, AL – A tragic incident unfolded in the small town of Woodstock, Alabama, as a resident, known for his appearance on a popular crime podcast, was killed in a standoff with police on Sunday. State law enforcement officials confirmed the incident and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the man, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Tyler Goodson.
Goodson, who gained local and national attention following his feature in the award-winning “S-Town” podcast, was fatally shot during an encounter with the Woodstock Police Department. The incident occurred after midnight when officers responded to a call near the 500 block of Georgia Loop in Woodstock. Upon their arrival, they found Goodson barricaded inside a residence, leading to a standoff that required the intervention of several law enforcement agencies.
During the standoff, Goodson allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting the officers to open fire, resulting in his death. The details surrounding the incident are still under investigation, and the police have yet to release further information about the fatal encounter.
In the moments leading up to his death, Goodson reportedly took to social media to share his predicament. He posted a chilling message on his now-deleted Facebook account, stating, “Police bout to shoot me down in my yard,” according to reports from local news outlets.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Woodstock community, with many seeking answers about the circumstances that led to Goodson’s death. Woodstock Mayor Jeff Dodson addressed the community’s concerns in a statement, acknowledging Goodson’s local fame and the impact of his death. “Tyler was well known and loved by myself, his family, and this community. That love extends far beyond due to the ‘S-Town’ podcast,” Dodson said. “This young man was a father, son, brother, and friend to many.”
“S-Town” is a podcast that delves into life and rumored scandals in Woodstock, as seen through the eyes of John B. McLemore, a local clock repairman who reached out to journalist Brian Reed in 2012. McLemore, who committed suicide in 2015 while the show was still in production, had asked Reed to investigate a murder in the small town. Goodson, a friend and employee of McLemore’s, often referred to him as a father figure.
The podcast aired in 2017 and documented life in the small town, chronicling events and rumors of corruption from McLemore’s perspective. Goodson was a regular feature on the podcast, where he was portrayed as a close friend and confidant of McLemore. His death has brought a tragic real-life twist to the narrative of the podcast, which has been lauded for its gritty portrayal of life in rural Alabama.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Goodson’s death is ongoing, with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) leading the probe. Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be submitted to the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office for further action. The incident is a stark reminder of the often complex and fraught relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This theme was often explored in the “S-Town” podcast.