Naked suspect jumps into family truck after beating rideshare driver in Phoenix

A 21-year-old Phoenix man is accused of brutally beating a rideshare driver in Tempe and then fleeing the scene naked into a family’s pickup truck in New Mexico. Samuel Goodrick allegedly attacked Chadwick Stevens in the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 6, near a warehouse on Priest Drive and Elliot Road. Court documents state Goodrick left Stevens with broken facial bones, a collapsed lung, broken ribs, and a brainstem injury. Hospital staff told investigators that Stevens is in a medically induced coma and is not expected to survive his injuries.

Police recovered Goodrick’s passport, a cellphone, and a protective case near the I-10 and Elliot Road interchange. Stevens’ black 2021 GMC Yukon was missing from the area. Goodrick abandoned the vehicle around 12:30 p.m. on I-10 near the New Mexico State Highway 338 interchange. He then jumped into the bed of a family’s pickup truck while they towed a travel trailer. The family reported that Goodrick was naked and threatening them, so they continued driving toward Arizona. As they crossed into the state, Goodrick smashed the back window and entered the cab. The family eventually stopped, threw him out, and drove away to safety.

New Mexico State Police detained Goodrick near San Simon, about 14 miles west of the border, while he stood in the middle of the freeway. An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper arrived and recorded Goodrick making a spontaneous admission that he killed someone in Arizona. Goodrick was taken to a hospital in Willcox for medical and mental health evaluation. He was arrested around 7:30 p.m. and told officers, “Because I killed a guy.” After being read his Miranda rights, he invoked his right to an attorney. An hour later, while waiting to be released from the hospital, Goodrick sat up on his bed and stated, “I just killed a dude. I smashed his (expletive) head into the ground. I can’t believe I (expletive) did that.”

Goodrick was booked into jail on one count of attempted second-degree murder, one count of robbery, and one count of theft of means of transportation. His bond was set at $1.5 million cash-only. During a hearing, Goodrick appeared confused by his location, asking if he was in Maricopa County. The judge confirmed he was in Phoenix. When asked if he was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Goodrick replied, “Oh, maybe spiritual war?” He interrupted the judge multiple times and asked, “How long am I going to be a sleepover, sir?”

Forensic psychologist John De La Torre reviewed video of the hearing and identified several behavioral red flags. De La Torre noted that Goodrick’s answers and interruptions suggest he may need a Rule 11 competency evaluation. The psychologist stated that such behavior often indicates an uncontrolled mental health issue or the effects of intoxicants. De La Torre said, “This isn’t typical. So there’s got to be something else that’s going on.” A competency evaluation is likely to determine if Goodrick can stand trial.

The case hinges on whether Stevens survives his injuries, which could upgrade the attempted murder charge. Goodrick showed little reaction when the judge explained the charges. He asked to go to sleep and seemed surprised to learn he was in Phoenix. The judge explained, “This is from Maricopa County. I just want to explain it to you.” Goodrick responded, “Phoenix? OK, sir.”