Mansura Man Sentenced to Life for Carjacking, Death of Lafayette Ride-Share Driver

Ella Goodie was killed after agreeing to drive Brandon Jermaine Francisco to Missouri.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A federal judge has sentenced a 39-year-old Mansura man to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to carjacking and killing a Lafayette Parish woman, Ella Goodie, who was a ride-share driver. Prosecutors say Brandon Jermaine Francisco shot Goodie several times and disposed of her body before taking her car to Missouri, where he was caught with the gun that killed her and her vehicle's key fob.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers that ride-share drivers can face and the need for improved safety measures and background checks to protect both drivers and passengers. It also underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence and the importance of holding violent offenders accountable.

The details

According to prosecutors, Francisco was attempting to avoid an attempted murder charge and contacted Goodie, who agreed to take him to Houston. After meeting in Lafayette and driving to Houston, the pair returned to Louisiana and near the town of Iowa, Louisiana, on March 9, 2022, Francisco carjacked her. Prosecutors say Francisco shot Goodie several times and disposed of her body before taking her car to Missouri, where he was caught with the gun that killed the woman and with the key fob for her vehicle.

  • On March 9, 2022, Francisco carjacked Goodie near Iowa, Louisiana.
  • This week, a federal judge sentenced Francisco to life in prison.

The players

Brandon Jermaine Francisco

A 39-year-old man from Mansura, Louisiana who pleaded guilty to carjacking and killing Ella Goodie, a Lafayette Parish ride-share driver.

Ella Goodie

A Lafayette Parish woman who was a ride-share driver. She was killed by Brandon Jermaine Francisco after agreeing to drive him to Missouri.

Zachary A. Keller

The U.S. Attorney who announced the life sentence for Brandon Jermaine Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“While no prison sentence can repay or erase the loss suffered by the victim's family, including her young children, this case reflects our commitment alongside our state and federal partners to hold violent offenders accountable and pursue justice for victims.”

— Zachary A. Keller, U.S. Attorney

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved safety measures and background checks for ride-share drivers to protect both drivers and passengers from violent criminals. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and the importance of holding offenders fully accountable for their actions.