ER doctor testifies in John Goodman retrial, says he didn't see signs of impairment

Wellington polo mogul charged in 2010 crash that killed Scott Wilson

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The retrial of a Wellington polo mogul accused in the 2010 crash that killed a recent college graduate continued Thursday, with the emergency room doctor who examined John Goodman after the crash taking the stand.

Dr. Adam Bromberg testified Thursday that he never saw any signs of alcohol use when he treated Goodman in the emergency room.

"I do not believe so," Dr. Adam Bromberg said when asked if he could tell the jury whether Goodman was impaired.

Goodman, 51, is charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of Scott Wilson, 23, in February 2010.

Authorities said Goodman, 51, was drunk when his Bentley ran a stop sign and slammed into Wilson's car, which plunged into a canal.

In 2012, Goodman was found guilty of DUI manslaughter and failure to render aid, but they were overturned because of juror misconduct.

Bromberg said he treated Goodman for a fractured wrist and sternum but did not show any signs of a head injury.

However, defense attorneys claim Goodman suffered a concussion in the crash that left him disoriented.

Testimony during the retrial has shown that Goodman had been at the Players Club, where he racked up a bill that totaled about $272, in the hours before the crash. Marc Ganzi, a longtime friend to Goodman, testified for the defense that he never saw Goodman drinking alcohol, even though Goodman has already admitted to taking two tequila shots and having a vodka drink.

A bartender previously testified that Goodman bought 18 drinks, but she said he shared those drinks with friends and she never saw him take a sip.

The founder of the International Polo Club Palm Beach claims he left the scene because he was disoriented and needed to find a phone because his wasn't working.

Although his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, Goodman claims he drank after the crash to calm his nerves.

Dr. Fran Gengo, a neurological expert from Buffalo, was flown to West Palm Beach to testify for the defense Thursday about the effects and non-effects of hydrocodone when mixed with alcohol.

"If they were, in fact, 2-ounce tequila shots, then your estimate as to blood-alcohol level as a result of that shot would double, isn't that correct?" prosecutor Sherri Collins asked.

"Yes," Gengo replied.

A jury was selected in Tampa and brought to West Palm Beach for the retrial because of all the publicity the high-profile trial attracted initially. Jurors have been sequestered in the hotel where they're staying.

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About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.