On January 26, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal complaint against Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a renowned radio host and author, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The charges stemmed from a 1996 incident involving a man who had called Dr. Laura’s radio show seeking marital advice. The caller, identified as Charles Goodman, had been denied a divorce by a California court due to a lack of evidence of irreconcilable differences. Dr. Laura allegedly provided the couple’s son with written advice that ultimately led to Goodman’s death in 1996 at the hands of his wife, Margaret Goodman.
A federal grand jury indicted Dr. Laura on charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death. The U.S. Department of Justice contended that Dr. Laura’s advice had led to Goodman’s demise, as the wife, Margaret, ultimately murdered him in a fit of rage. The case drew widespread media attention due to Dr. Laura’s high-profile status as a nationally syndicated radio host.
The case ultimately resulted in a settlement, with Dr. Laura Schlessinger agreeing to pay $450,000 to the estate of the man killed in the 1996 incident. The settlement was reached in 2017, the same year the complaint was filed. The federal case was dismissed as part of the settlement agreement, bringing an end to the long-running investigation.
Key Facts
- Case: Schlessinger
- Court: MDD Federal District
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Federal Court Records
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