A Ventura County man has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison following the death of his girlfriend at a Moorpark hotel. William Justin Koznar, 38, received the sentence this week after entering a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter earlier this year.
The incident occurred on October 7, 2020, at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on White Sage Road. Hotel staff contacted local law enforcement after observing Koznar acting in a hostile and belligerent manner within the lobby area.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers proceeded to the room where the couple had been residing for approximately two weeks. Inside, they discovered 36-year-old Sara Marie Goodwin unconscious and suffering from significant injuries on the bed.
Emergency responders transported Goodwin to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite these efforts, she ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office noted that Koznar admitted to special allegations during his plea. These included the use of great violence and the targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim.
Investigators relied on a combination of security footage and statements provided by the defendant to build their case. The evidence confirmed that no other individuals had entered the hotel room during the critical timeframe surrounding the victim's death.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Amber Lee expressed hope that the sentencing brings a sense of closure to the victim's family. She emphasized that the resolution allows the family to move forward without the emotional burden of a lengthy jury trial.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of local prosecutors to address domestic violence incidents within the region. While the specific circumstances leading to the fatal encounter remain limited, the legal proceedings have concluded with this significant prison term.
The sentencing serves as a final chapter in a case that has impacted the Moorpark community since the initial 2020 report. Authorities continue to prioritize the safety of residents and the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime.