According to court documents, a man allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend’s companion in 2021 reportedly over resentment and racial animus. The prosecution has entered a plea deal with him.
Earl Godhigh, 47, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the Aug. 23, 2021 dying of 40-year-old Francisco Figueroa. According to documents, Godhigh may be given a 16-year state prison sentence and a dropped murder charge from the prosecution.
Figueroa was shot and killed on the 2200 strip of East 22nd Street in Oakland. Eventually, Godhigh’s ex-girlfriend later provided evidence to support police in identifying a motive, blaming him for being “abusive” and jealous of Figueroa because he thought they had grown very close.
Figueora did not reside in the area, but he was known to frequent the house building that was right across from where he was killed, according to police at the time.
In allegedly using at least one racist slur to speak to Latinos in the days leading up to the crime, Godhigh reportedly texted his ex-girlfriend to say he was checking the area to make sure no Mexicans were about. He also texted that he was” Mexican hunting” and that he would start “posting up hear ( sic ) every night all night” in search of Figueroa, who was Latino.
Despite the racist comments, prosecutors declined to charge Godhigh with a love murder when he was arrested in 2021, or after his 2023 initial hearing, court documents show. Nor was he charged with lying in rush, despite his obvious entrance to “lurking” in the area in search of Figueroa.
After shooting Figueroa, Godhigh reportedly said,” that’s what you get for messing with me”, an observer reportedly told officers. His ex-girlfriend after reportedly informed him that the police were looking for him in a text message.
” He told ( police )”, Godhigh allegedly texted the woman, apparently unaware that Figueroa was dead.
” He died”, she reportedly texted back, according to court documents.
” Lord have mercy”, Godhigh allegedly replied, before adding,” I love you very much”.
According to court documents, Godhigh has two previous convictions for assault with a rifle from 1996 and gun ownership in 2017. He is still being held in Dublin’s Santa Rita Jail until November 20 when he is sentenced informally.
Godhigh was arrested within 48 days of the crime. According to court documents, he may be credited with the three years he spent behind bars before the plea deal is finalized.
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