Slain Neptune man's family begs the public: No more killing

Kala Kachmar , Erik Larsen | Asbury Park Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Family of slain Neptune man calls for peace Relatives of Randolph 'king' Goodman, seek police justice - not 'street' justice.

NEPTUNE - The murder of Randolph "King" Goodman outside his home on Saturday has left his family begging the public not to get revenge for his unexpected death.

A man loved by the community, Goodman's death has left family and friends shocked, outraged and looking for answers, according to his cousin, the Rev. Ricky F. Donato, who was asked by the family to speak on their behalf.

"He was a bright young man, a great guy and a great father who loved his kids," Donato said. "He was very respectful to his mom and his family. He's just the type of guy who would give the shirt off his back for people."

Goodman was gunned down near his apartment above the R NU Barbershop on Old Corlies Avenue late last Saturday. He died at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, according to his family. Neither the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office nor Neptune police have released details about the shooting, but it's being investigated as a homicide.

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As the community continues to struggle with his loss, the family of the slain 43-year-old father of four has made one request to the public: Don't take justice into your own hands.

"Randolph had a lot of friends. A lot of people are hurt, and they want revenge," Donato said. "The request is to let the authorities handle the situation. Let them do their investigation. We don't want to see anybody else's mother in the front row of some church or some funeral home burying their son."

Donato, who has known Goodman since childhood, said family and friends are having trouble understanding how and why he was killed.

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"We're absolutely shocked," Donato said. "Some people, you know, with the way they live, things happen. But (Randolph) wasn't living that type of lifestyle."

Goodman, whose nickname has been "King" as long as Donato can remember, said his cousin was a big jokester and loved playing with kids. He was also an avid gamer and passionate about riding motorcycles.

"He was a big kid himself," Donato said.

Goodman was a 1994 graduate of Asbury Park High School and used to volunteer with youth at the West Side Community Center in Asbury Park.

A prayer, a vigil

An estimated 40 to 50 mourners — many clutching balloons — huddled together in the darkness amid 35-degree temperatures Wednesday night for a vigil outside the barbershop where he was killed.

Family and friends were encouraged to sign and leave behind messages on poster-sized boards.

“Oh God, right now, in the name of Jesus,” prayed Goodman’s distraught mother, Winifred Askew. “Oh God, in the name of Jesus. ... Oh God, I ask you right now in the name of Jesus: God, to give us the strength to go through what we have to go through, God! In the name of Jesus!"

Donato, who works at a Brooklyn-based funeral home, also is handling the funeral arrangements and eulogy for his cousin. Trying to find the right words to comfort his family and the community has been difficult, he said.

"It's just a very low blow to all who knew and loved him, especially because of the type of guy he was. He would help anybody," Donato said.

One thing that will bring the family peace is knowing there will be no more violence, Donato said.

"We're asking to keep the peace," he said. "Ceasefire."

Goodman's family also is asking the public to come forward if they have information about the shooting. Donato said as long as people hold onto the "no snitching" mentality, the violence will continue.

"The cemeteries are filling up more and more on a weekly basis, mainly with black African-American men," Donato said. "Churches and pastors and preachers — those in leadership positions — have to come out of these four walls and meet the needs of the people, and find out what's pushing these guys to the point (where) they can't even talk, (they're just) going to kill you."

Donato said anyone with information can also speak with clergy at Good Samaritan Church, 1812 Monroe Ave. in Neptune.

"It has to stop," he said. "Please don't retaliate by killing someone else. These young guys are picking up weapons and there's no coming back."

Funeral arrangements for Goodman will be held at noon Saturday at the Good Samaritan Church.

"Now he's with the King of kings," Donato said. "He's with the Lord."

Anyone with information about Goodman's death may call Detective Kevin Condon at 800-533-7443. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 800-671-4400; texting “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or by emailing a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Kala Kachmar: @NewsQuip; 732-643-4061; kkachmar@gannettnj.com