A Missouri man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after he turned himself into the authorities, confessing to accidentally killing his father. Jeffrey Goedde, 41, approached the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of December 19, 2024, and told officers, “I made a mistake. I committed a crime, and I want to turn myself in.” He explained that he had unintentionally stabbed his father, Edward Goedde, Jr., 75, around 50 times, leaving the elderly man with severe injuries.
According to the criminal complaint, Goedde told police that his father was found unconscious in the kitchen of their shared home, bleeding from both his face and back. He admitted that he may have used a kitchen knife and other weapons, but was unable to remember the exact details of the incident. Goedde’s confession raised questions about whether the attack was truly an accident, especially given the brutal nature of the injuries sustained by his father.
Police arrived at the residence to conduct a welfare check, entering through the basement window. Once inside, they noticed a strong smell of bleach throughout the house, which suggested that an attempt to clean the crime scene had been made. In the kitchen, they discovered the lifeless body of Edward Goedde, Jr., face down on the floor. His injuries were consistent with the details Jeffrey had provided, and when he was informed that his father had been found dead, Goedde reportedly said, “I can’t leave because I accidentally killed someone.” At that point, he invoked his right to an attorney and declined to answer any further questions.
An autopsy later revealed the full extent of the trauma inflicted on Edward Goedde, Jr. The elderly man had suffered approximately 50 stab wounds, along with broken bones, strangulation, and blunt force trauma to his head, face, and back. These injuries were far more severe than what might be expected from a single moment of rage or an unintentional act, leading authorities to question whether the killing could have been the result of something more than an accident.
A kitchen knife was recovered from the scene, found five feet from the victim’s body inside a trash can. The weapon was consistent with the type of injuries observed on Edward Goedde, Jr., further supporting the claim that the victim had been attacked with a sharp object. The presence of bleach in the house also suggested that Goedde may have tried to clean up after the crime, possibly in an attempt to cover up the extent of the violence.
Jeffrey Goedde was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. His bond review is scheduled for December 22, and he is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on January 16, 2025. The case has raised many questions about the nature of the crime and whether it truly was an accident or a deliberate act of violence.
This tragic event highlights the complex and often disturbing dynamics that can exist within families. The brutal nature of the crime and the confession made by Jeffrey Goedde have left many wondering about the circumstances leading up to the killing. It also serves as a reminder of the deep psychological and emotional struggles that can sometimes result in violent outcomes, even in situations where the perpetrator may not fully understand or remember their actions.
As the case unfolds, it is likely that more details will emerge, shedding light on the motivations behind the crime and the relationship between Jeffrey Goedde and his father. For now, the community is left to grapple with the shocking nature of the incident and the tragic loss of life.
