Derk Martin Aalpoel, 34, of Fort Bidwell, has been sentenced in Modoc County Superior Court following his guilty plea to Voluntary Manslaughter in connection with the 2024 drug-related death of 34-year-old Fawn Goodwin of Cedarville. Aalpoel admitted to providing Ms. Goodwin with drugs containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to the Washoe County, Nevada Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, the combined toxicity of those substances caused her death. Ms. Goodwin was found deceased in her apartment on October 28, 2024. The case was initially charged as Second Degree Murder and represents the first homicide conviction in Modoc County based on selling fentynal that resulted in death.
At sentencing, the Court heard emotional victim impact statements from Ms. Goodwin’s family and community members. Her mother, Jackie Goodwin, traveled from Washington State to address the Court, sharing a statement from Fawn’s brother and then her own heartfelt remarks. She described her daughter as deeply loved, spoke of her battle with addiction, and shared that Fawn had cared for her dying father, who, due to dementia, was never able to see her sober. A Cedarville resident and friend of Ms. Goodwin, also spoke about the impact of the loss on
her and the community. Spencer Smith addressed the Court regarding the effect of the crime on his family.
Judge Karen Dixon acknowledged that while Mr. Smith was not a direct victim, his statement reflected the broader impact such crimes have on families and the community.
Aalpoel declined to make a statement prior to sentencing. Judge Dixon sentenced Aalpoel to six years in state prison, suspended, and placed him on six years of formal felony probation subject to terms and conditions imposed by the Court.
The Modoc County District Attorney’s Office recognizes Assistant District Attorney Richard Cotta Jr. for his diligent prosecution of this case and for securing justice. The Office also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Goodwin family for their strength and courage in addressing the Court. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding individuals accountable for drug-related deaths within our community.
