Moorpark Man Sentenced to Prison for Causing Girlfriend’s Death

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that  William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88), of Moorpark, was sentenced on May 5, 2026, to 11 years in  state prison for causing the death of Sara Marie Goodwin. Koznar previously pled guilty on March  24, 2026, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. Koznar also admitted to the special  allegations of the crime involving great violence and the victim was particularly vulnerable. 

On October 7, 2020, police were called to a Moorpark hotel due to Koznar’s belligerent behavior in  the lobby. Officers contacted Koznar in his room where the couple had been staying for  approximately two weeks. When officers entered the room, they found Sara Goodwin unconscious  and bleeding from the bed. She was transported for medical care but later died from her injuries. Security footage and the defendant’s own statements confirmed that no one else entered the room  during that time.  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Amber Lee, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s  Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. 

“We hope this disposition provides the finality the family needs to move forward honoring the life of  Ms. Goodwin, without the stress of continuing court appearances  

and the uncertainty of a jury trial,” Ms. Lee said. 

Case: 2020028980 

Defendant Information: 

William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88) 
Moorpark 

Charges pled guilty to: 

• PC 192(a) – Voluntary manslaughter 

Special allegations admitted: 

• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence 
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable