Caregiver Facing Murder Charge to be Arraigned

A woman accused of killing an 89-year-old Rancho Bernardo man so she could pocket thousands of his dollars is scheduled to be arraigned Friday.

Denise Michelle Goodwin, 44, is charged with murder with the special circumstance of killing for financial gain, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said last week. Goodwin, who was arrested as she was about to board a plane to Europe on July 12, is eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

She is accused of killing Gerald Eugene Rabourn in October, though the man's remains have not been found. The 89-year-old disappeared about a month after he hired Goodwin to care for his 91-year-old wife Carolyn, who has since died from lung cancer.

Authorities said Goodwin forged Rabourn's signature on documents to sell the family home and title to his vehicle, and keep the proceeds.

Arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the downtown courthouse, 220 W. Broadway.

City News Service contributed to this report.