Family of brutally murdered woman finds forgiveness for those accused in connection to her death

Family members and friends remembered the life of a woman who was found brutally beaten, tortured, and murdered on Monday as a woman who brought joy to many.

A celebration of Jacqueline Goodwin's life took place at Witzleben Memorial Chapel.

Cora Rexford, Jacqueline's aunt who is a year younger than Goodwin, said they were like sisters growing up.

"Throughout our childhood, we were very close," Rexford said. "I always looked up to her she was kind of like my big sister."

Jacqueline's aunt Brenda Goodwin said her childhood was full of joy and laughter.

"She was such a happy child, her smile, her beautiful smile and her contagious laugh were everywhere she went," Goodwin said. "She brought joy to people."

That joy dimmed after Goodwin's mother, Violet Goodwin Lambert, died when Jacqueline was 13.

"Every time we talked about her mom, I could just, I could see the hurt in her and it just killed me," Rexford said.

Goodwin's pain stayed with her in the following years, pulling her toward a path of drugs and other crimes.

"In her teen years, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia which led up to her lifestyle as a young adult and to the time of her death," Goodwin said.

Goodwin's body was found badly beaten on Monday night and since then, her family has just one message for the family of Jacqueline's accused killer.

"My mother Pearl who couldn't be here today would like the family of Benjamin Wilkins to know that she forgives them," Goodwin said. "We forgive him and that was the only way our family, my mom and Jackie could be at peace."

While she's gone now, those who knew Goodwin said they'll always remember her as a mother, granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, and beloved niece they only hope is now in a better place.

"She's with her sister and her mom and she's not hurting, she's not alone, she's not suffering, her health is better," Rexford said. "That's the part we feel relieved about."

Goodwin's body will be taken to Kotzebue, the location of her final resting place beside her mother.

A celebration of life will be held in Kotzebue on July 5th at 11 a.m.

Benjamin Wilkins is awaiting trial for Goodwin's murder along with his brother and mother who are both charged in connection to Goodwin's death.