This Christmas will be filled with quiet heartache for one family as they face the season without the man who once brought them together.
Nineteen-year-old Amari Goodman is still trying to make sense of life without her father, Dominique Goodman, who passed away earlier this month after a heartbreaking incident outside a fast-food restaurant.
She says the reality of his absence comes in waves — some moments feel distant, while others feel overwhelmingly heavy. Amari shared that her father was simply trying to protect her, acting out of the deep love and care he always showed as a parent.
While she was at work, a manager began making her uncomfortable. Feeling unsafe, she reached out to her dad for support. What happened next changed her family’s life forever.
Her father never returned home that day. The manager took her dad life in the parking lot “I don’t feel ready for Christmas,” Amari said quietly. “It just doesn’t feel the same anymore.”
Those who knew Dominique describe him as a devoted and hardworking father who lived for his children. He was raising five kids and was excitedly preparing to welcome another baby into the family. His kindness, dedication, and love left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
A close friend and legal advocate, Robert Leanza Williams Jr., shared that Dominique wasn’t just a coworker — he was someone deeply valued and respected. His loss, he said, has been felt by many.
An independent investigation is now underway. There are concerns that the person involved may have shown troubling behavior in the past and could have been under the influence while on duty.
The manager remains in custody and is facing multiple serious charges.
As the holiday season arrives, this family is holding onto memories, love, and the enduring legacy of a father who meant everything to them.
