“I hope you rot in hell.”
The words from the loved ones in of the late Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith were tearful, emotion-packed and compelling as they gave victim-impact statements during the sentencing of 36-year-old Devon Braet on Wednesday in Scott County Court.
In July, a Scott County jury found Braet guilty of one count of first-degree murder, two counts of assault while participating in a crime, one count of going armed with intent, one count of use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, two counts of abuse of a corpse and second-degree arson.
He was found not guilty of one count of first-degree murder, two counts of robbery, one count of going armed with intent and one count of use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime in the deaths of Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith on Jan. 16, 2024.
“We must maintain decorum throughout thus proceeding,” District Court Judge Stuart Werling said as the sentencing hearing began.
Braet “has a criminal history going back to 2001,” said prosecutor Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham. “This is an individual who is a significant danger to the community.”
Braet did not address the court. Four several people gave victim-impact statements and sometimes spoke directly to Braet.
“Brian and his family made our family whole,” said Deanna Gott, Goodwin’s mother. She showed a picture of the family. “If I ever needed anything, he would be right there,” she said. “These ashes are all I have left of my son.
“And you still live on,” she said to Braet. “I hope you have the life and death you so deserve.”
Also giving a victim-impact statement was Destiny Martinie, Goodwin’s sister: “He was always there. He was my rock,” she said. “I had to sit in a pew at his funeral and stare at a box and a picture.” All she has left of her brother is a teddy bear and some ashes, she said. She told Braet “You are a vile human …. I hope you rot in hell.”
“I thought I would have more time,” said Sallie Smith, Amy Smith’s mother. “He took her. He just took her. Why?”
Werling’s sentenced Braet for each count for which he was convicted, including life without parole for first-degree murder.
A fire, and then a double-homicide scene
Shortly before 4 a.m. Jan. 16, 2024, Davenport Police and Fire responded to the 5200 block of North Division Street for a report of a structure fire. Davenport Fire crews arrived to find moderate smoke showing from an apartment and quickly extinguished the fire, according to arrest affidavits and Davenport Police.
During a search of the apartment, firefighters found Goodwin and Smith deceased.
Davenport Police say Braet and Adriana Blake (Prieto) placed a combustible material inside of the residence where the deceased victims were located, according to police and affidavits. Officers say the two knowingly acted together “to mutilate the bodies of the victims by the use of fire in an attempt to conceal the crime of murder.”
On Jan. 18, 2024, Braet and Blake (Prieto) were taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Goodwin and Smith both had been shot, according to earlier testimony from Davenport Police Detective Brandon Askew. He said the shooting took place between 4:30 and 7 a.m. Jan. 15. Askew said two guns were recovered.
A Scott County jury on May 30 found Adriana Blake guilty on two charges each of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, assault while committing a felony – serious injury and use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime. She was found not guilty of one count of going armed with intent.
Blake maintained her innocence in August of 2025 when a judge sentenced her to life without parole.