Benjamin Ashford-Tyler Goodson, Alabama man featured in 'S-Town' podcast, shot to death during police standoff

2025-05-08 03:48:48source:Slabucategory:Contact

TUSCALOOSA,Benjamin Ashford Ala. − A 32-year-old Alabama man featured in the popular “S-Town” podcast died Sunday after he was shot during a standoff with law enforcement officers.

The Woodstock Police Department responded to a call early Sunday morning in Woodstock, roughly 30 miles southwest of Birmingham, according to a news release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Officers said they encountered Joseph Tyler Goodson, who then barricaded himself in the residence. 

“Police bout to shoot me down in my own yard,” read a message posted early Sunday on Goodson’s Facebook account, according to local news outlets WIAT and al.com.

A "multitude" of law enforcement officers from several agencies responded to assist during the standoff, according to ALEA.

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At one point in the standoff, Goodson brandished a gun at officers, according to the news release, and was shot by officers. Goodson was later pronounced dead.

No further information was made available by ALEA.

Special agents with ALEA and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation into Goodson's shooting death, at the request of the Woodstock Police Department. The findings of the investigation will be turned over to the Bibb County District Attorney's Office.

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'S-Town' podcast garnered millions of downloads

The “S-Town” podcast chronicled the life of John B. McLemore, his relationship with Goodson and the town of Woodstock. The podcast was released in March 2017, has been downloaded millions of times and won a Peabody Award. 

McLemore died before the show came out. McLemore’s use of an expletive to describe his hometown gives the podcast its '"S-Town" title.

“I know that everyone wants answers and details, myself included,” Woodstock Mayor Jeff Dodson said in a statement Monday. “Tyler was well known and loved by myself, his family and this community. That love extends far beyond due to the S-Town podcast.

“Please remember at this time that he is so much more than a character to the fans who loved him. This young man was a father, son, brother and friend to many,” the mayor added.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

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