“I hope you rot in hell.”
Those heart-wrenching words echoed through the courtroom as family members of Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith delivered their 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 first-degree murder, two counts of assault while participating in a crime, going armed with intent, use of a dangerous weapon during a crime, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and second-degree arson.
He was found not guilty of a second count of first-degree murder, two robbery charges, another count of going armed with intent, and one count of using a dangerous weapon in the same crime related to the deaths of Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith on January 16, 2024.
“We must maintain decorum throughout this proceeding,” said District Court Judge Stuart Werling as the sentencing began.
Prosecutor Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham emphasized Braet’s extensive criminal history dating back to 2001, calling him “a significant danger to the community.”
Braet chose not to speak during the hearing. Several family members of the victims took the stand, many addressing Braet directly.
Deanna Gott, Goodwin’s mother, held up a family photo as she spoke tearfully. “Brian and his family made our family whole. If I ever needed anything, he would be right there. These ashes are all I have left of my son,” she said. Turning to Braet, she added, “And you still live on. I hope you have the life and death you so deserve.”
Destiny Martinie, Goodwin’s sister, shared how deeply her brother’s death affected her. “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 him now are a teddy bear and some ashes. Looking at Braet, she declared, “You are a vile human… I hope you rot in hell.”
Sallie Smith, Amy Smith’s mother, broke down as she spoke: “I thought I would have more time. He took her. He just took her. Why?”
Judge Werling then handed down Braet’s sentence for all nine convictions, including life without parole for first-degree murder:
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First-degree murder: Life without parole
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Two counts of misdemeanor assault: 30 days each
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Armed intent (habitual offender): 15 years
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Use of a dangerous weapon during a crime: 2 years
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Two counts of abuse of a corpse: 15 years each
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Second-degree arson: 10 years
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Controlled substance – third offense, habitual offender: 15 years
The Deadly Fire and Discovery
Around 4 a.m. on January 16, 2024, Davenport Police and Fire responded to a call about a structure fire in the 5200 block of North Division Street. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames and discovered the bodies of Goodwin and Smith inside the apartment.
Investigators later learned that Braet and Adriana Blake (Prieto) had placed combustible material inside the residence to destroy evidence and mutilate the victims’ bodies by fire in an attempt to conceal the murders. Both were arrested two days later, on January 18, 2024, on outstanding warrants.
Detective Brandon Askew testified that both victims had been shot sometime between 4:30 and 7 a.m. on January 15, and two firearms were later recovered.
The Co-Defendant’s Fate
A Scott County jury found Adriana Blake (Prieto) guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, assault while committing a felony causing serious injury, and use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime. She was acquitted of one count of going armed with intent.
In August 2025, Blake continued to maintain her innocence as the judge sentenced her to life in prison without parole.
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