Shelbyville man accused of killing 74-year-old pleads not guilty

William Goode covered his face as he was wheeled into Shelby County Circuit Court just before noon on Wednesday, Jan. 11.  A stab wound he allegedly got as he killed Genevive Kelly kept him from walking on his own.  

Behind closed doors, Goode heard the six charges he faces.  One of the six, the murder of Genevieve Kelly.  Goode's plea: "not guilty"

Six members of Kelly's family sat in the front row.   

"We are confident, based on the probable cause that Mr. Goode had involvement in this matter and we are charging him accordingly," said Shelby County Prosecutor R. Kent Apsley.

Police said Goode was renting an apartment from Kelly.

In the probable cause, it states Kelly died of "several stab wounds." The suspected murder weapon was found near Goode's bed in apartment number four on West Franklin Street, a knife, with an "abundance of suspected blood on it."

"It is awful, I mean it is unbelievable," said Tim Watt.

Watt lived down the hall from William Goode for two months. Watt said Goode never said much, but he seemed nice, even helping him move.

"A bad dream, nightmare," said Watt.  "Your next door neighbor does something like that, and he seemed like a really nice guy. It is just pathetic."

Watt said he will miss seeing Kelly around. A woman, Watt said, who always had a smile on her face, and was willing to help when money was tight.

"I feel awful, Watt said.  "The landlady was a really sweet lady.  She would not hurt anybody  It is just unbelievable."