The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the life sentences of Nathan Goddard and Cahke Cortner, who were convicted of killing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Officer Jorge Del Rio during a drug raid in 2019. This ruling, issued on October 7, 2026, confirms the jury's decision to reject Goddard's self-defense claim and affirms the use of Pinkerton liability in Cortner's conviction.
The case centers around a tragic incident that occurred on November 4, 2019, when DEA agents executed a search warrant at a residence linked to Goddard's drug trafficking activities. The court's ruling is significant as it reinforces the legal principles surrounding the accountability of individuals involved in drug conspiracies and the protection of law enforcement officers.
Background
The parties involved in this case are Nathan Goddard and Cahke Cortner, both of whom were charged following the fatal shooting of Officer Del Rio. Goddard was identified as a drug supplier by a cooperating defendant, Jovan House, who had been arrested earlier that day. House provided information to the DEA, leading to the search warrant for a property owned by Goddard's brother-in-law.
Prior to the incident, Goddard had a history of drug-related offenses, including previous arrests for trafficking cocaine and fentanyl. The DEA executed the search warrant at 1454 Ruskin Road, where they believed Goddard was storing a significant amount of drugs. During the raid, Goddard and Cortner were present in the basement, armed with firearms, when the confrontation with law enforcement occurred.
The Ruling
The court ruled against Goddard and Cortner's appeals, affirming their convictions and life sentences. The judges on the panel included Chief Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, Judge John B. Nalbandian, and Judge Whitney D. Hermandorfer. The court found that Goddard's actions did not constitute self-defense, stating, "Goddard acted with premeditation," and that he had the intent to kill Officer Del Rio.
Furthermore, the court upheld the jury's use of Pinkerton liability in Cortner's conviction, which holds co-conspirators accountable for foreseeable crimes committed during the course of a conspiracy. The ruling emphasized that both men were engaged in drug trafficking at the time of the shooting, which justified the severe penalties imposed.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving drug trafficking and the use of deadly force against law enforcement. It reinforces the idea that individuals involved in criminal conspiracies can be held liable for actions taken by their co-conspirators, even if they did not directly commit the crime. This precedent may deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities, knowing that they could face severe consequences for the actions of their associates.
The court's decision also highlights the importance of protecting law enforcement officers who are executing their duties. The ruling serves as a reminder of the risks that police officers face during drug raids and the legal ramifications for those who engage in violent confrontations with them.
What's Next
Goddard and Cortner have the option to appeal the ruling to the United States Supreme Court. However, details regarding any potential appeal or related cases were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case may influence future legal strategies for defendants in similar situations.