A community-wide birthday party to remember Amanda “Sissy” Laura Goodman will be held on May 17th at 6:00 p.m. at Coggin Park in Brownwood to mark the 25th anniversary of her untimely death. The public is invited to enjoy free hot dogs, chips and drinks along with a balloon release in her memory, hosted by friends and family.

Amanda Goodman was just 13 years old when she was murdered on May 16, 1989.  Her body was found abandoned on Indian Creek Road just south of Brownwood with a single gunshot wound.  It was rainy that day, making the gathering of evidence nearly impossible according to law enforcement.  Her mother, Barbara Nejtek, recently passed away never having closure of her daughter’s death, according to a family member.  She has three siblings that survive her, Chuck Goodman, Candy Matheny, and Michael Nejtek.

Although it has been 25 years since Amanda’s death, friends and family have planned a birthday event and encourage the community to join them in a celebration of her life, so that she is not forgotten.

“We wanted to host the birthday party at Coggin Park so the community doesn’t forget her.  It’s been 25 years since she was murdered, she was only 13 years old and didn’t deserve this,” said her cousin Judy Shank, who was only 8 years old when the tragedy occurred.

Shank stated that Amanda’s last birthday party was held at Coggin Park just days before she was reported missing.  The family had a birthday party at Coggin Park in 2009, 20 years after her death, to honor Amanda’s memory and they plan to do the same this again this year. The park is where her 13th and last birthday party was held.

Donations are being accepted to help pay for the food and t-shirts for the family and volunteers.  To make a donation, please click here.  For more information about the event please call 325-200-1064.

The family and organizers wish to thank Brookshire’s, Dr. Pepper, Triple T Grill, and several other donors as well as volunteers Judy Shank, Jeremy Shank, Renetta Blackstock, Jennifer Hay, Amanda Wilkerson, Guadalupe Advientio, Veronica Soliz, Bralee Jones, Stacy Webb, Tabitha Porter and Candy Matheny.

The murder of Amanda Goodman remains a mystery, a cold case at the Brownwood Police Department.  Her family is still hoping to find closure one day.  Anyone with information about the murder is asked to call the Brownwood Police Department at 325-646-2525.