Aaron Goodwin, a long-time investigator and fan-favorite on the paranormal reality series Ghost Adventures, found himself at the center of a real-life horror story in 2025. The man who spent decades hunting ghosts and exploring haunted locations discovered that the most significant threat to his safety was not a supernatural entity, but his own wife, Victoria Goodwin.

In a sequence of events that shocked the entertainment world, Victoria Goodwin was arrested, charged, and eventually sentenced for her role in a chilling murder-for-hire plot targeting her husband.

Who Is Victoria Goodwin

Victoria Goodwin (formerly Victoria Aglio) became a public figure through her relationship with Aaron Goodwin. Long before the legal scandals, she was known to fans as a supportive partner who frequently appeared on Aaron's social media.

Born around 1992, Victoria had a background quite different from the paranormal world Aaron inhabits. She was a competitive collegiate golfer and later became an advocate for individuals suffering from rare chronic illnesses. She openly shared her struggles with achalasia, a rare condition that affects the esophagus, and used her platform to raise awareness for PTSD recovery. To the outside world, she appeared to be a resilient woman who had found happiness with one of television's most recognizable paranormal investigators.

The Relationship Timeline of Aaron and Victoria Goodwin

The couple's relationship began years before their legal troubles surfaced. They started dating around 2018, and Aaron was frequently vocal about his affection for her. In October 2019, Aaron proposed to Victoria in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, a moment he shared with thousands of followers.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the couple to postpone their nuptials several times. However, in August 2022, they finally wed at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The choice of venue was fitting for Aaron's career, and images from the wedding showed a couple deeply in love, dancing in golden ballrooms and celebrating with friends and family.

As late as February 2024, the couple appeared to be thriving. Social media posts depicted them playing mini-golf and cuddling with their pets, including a gray cat named Dodger and a dog named Moose. However, investigators later revealed that behind this domestic facade, a dark conspiracy was already being formed.

The Shocking Murder-for-Hire Plot

In early 2025, law enforcement officials in Nevada and Florida uncovered a plot that seemed like a script from a true-crime thriller. Victoria Goodwin had allegedly begun communicating with a high-profile Florida prison inmate named Grant Amato.

Grant Amato was well-known in the true-crime community for his own conviction involving the 2019 murder of his parents and brother. Victoria reportedly learned about Amato through a 2024 documentary series titled Ctrl+Alt+Desire. Using a smuggled contraband cell phone, Amato and Victoria exchanged thousands of messages.

Evidence and Motive

The correspondence between Victoria and the inmate revealed a disturbing intent. According to police reports, Victoria did not want a divorce; she wanted Aaron "gone." One of the most damning pieces of evidence was a text message where she reportedly asked, "Am I a bad person? Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce."

The plot involved more than just words:

  • Financial Arrangements: Investigators found that Victoria had set aside approximately $11,500 to pay for the "hit." An upfront payment of $2,500 was also discussed.
  • Operational Details: Victoria allegedly provided Amato with Aaron’s filming schedule for Ghost Adventures, specifically detailing when he would be on location in California, to facilitate the timing of the murder.
  • Extramarital Involvement: It was later alleged during court proceedings that Victoria had been involved with multiple men while Aaron was traveling for work, including the relationship she cultivated with Amato.

How Aaron Goodwin Learned of the Arrest

One of the most harrowing aspects of this case is how Aaron Goodwin discovered his wife’s betrayal. The moment was actually captured on film during the production of Ghost Adventures.

In March 2025, while the crew was investigating the abandoned Hollydale Mental Hospital in Downey, California, Aaron’s phone began to ring. The crew, including lead investigator Zak Bagans, noticed Aaron’s sudden change in demeanor. Aaron informed his colleagues that the police were at his house and he had to leave the investigation immediately.

It was through a FaceTime call from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police that Aaron learned his wife had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Aaron later described the moment as "insane and disturbing," stating he felt blindsided because he believed they were in a happy, loving marriage.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Victoria Goodwin was arrested on March 6, 2025, in Clark County, Nevada. She was initially charged with solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder. While she initially denied the allegations, claiming she had no memory of the messages and thought the money was for cell phones, the weight of the evidence led to a plea deal.

The Guilty Plea

In April 2025, Victoria Goodwin pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder. As part of the negotiation, the solicitation charge was dropped.

The Sentencing Hearing

In June 2025, the case reached its conclusion in a Nevada courtroom. Aaron Goodwin provided a victim impact statement, detailing the emotional and psychological toll of the betrayal. He spoke of the fear he felt knowing that someone he trusted with his "whole heart" had repeatedly tried to have him killed.

Victoria also addressed the court and Aaron directly, apologizing for the pain and betrayal. She expressed regret and promised that Aaron would never hear from her again.

The judge sentenced Victoria Goodwin to a prison term of 36 to 90 months (3 to 7.5 years). She is currently serving her sentence in a Nevada correctional facility.

The Divorce Filing

On March 12, 2025, less than a week after Victoria's arrest, Aaron Goodwin officially filed for divorce. The court documents cited that their "views, tastes, likes, and dislikes" had become "incompatible to the extent that it has become impossible for them to live together."

Aaron requested that no alimony be awarded to either party. The divorce was processed as Victoria's criminal case proceeded, marking a definitive end to their three-year marriage.

What is Aaron Goodwin Doing Now

Following the traumatic events of 2025, Aaron Goodwin has focused on his professional life and his recovery from the ordeal. He continues to be a central member of the Ghost Adventures team, though he has admitted that the incident has changed his perspective on trust and safety.

Fans of the show have rallied around him, offering immense support on social media. Aaron has returned to filming, though episodes from the 28th season that featured the night of the arrest remain a difficult reminder for him. He has publicly stated that he chooses not to watch those specific episodes to avoid reliving the trauma.

Summary of the Victoria Goodwin Case

The case of Victoria Goodwin serves as a stark reminder of the hidden complexities in high-profile lives. What appeared to be a fairytale romance born in Disneyland ended in a Nevada prison cell.

  • Who is the wife? Victoria Goodwin (formerly Aglio).
  • What was the crime? Conspiracy to commit murder via a murder-for-hire plot.
  • Who was the co-conspirator? Florida inmate Grant Amato.
  • What was the sentence? 3 to 7.5 years in prison.
  • Current status? Aaron and Victoria are divorced, and Victoria remains incarcerated.

FAQ

When did Aaron Goodwin get married?

Aaron Goodwin married Victoria Goodwin in August 2022 at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, after several delays due to the pandemic.

Why was Aaron Goodwin's wife arrested?

She was arrested in March 2025 for conspiring with a prison inmate to hire a hitman to kill Aaron Goodwin. Police discovered text messages outlining the plot and the intended payment.

Is Aaron Goodwin still on Ghost Adventures?

Yes, Aaron Goodwin remains a primary investigator on Ghost Adventures. Despite the personal tragedy, he has continued his work with Zak Bagans, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley.

How much was the hitman supposed to be paid?

According to police records and court testimony, Victoria Goodwin had set aside $11,500 and discussed an initial payment of $2,500 to facilitate the crime.

Who is Grant Amato?

Grant Amato is the Florida inmate Victoria contacted. He was previously convicted of the 2019 murders of his own mother, father, and brother in Chuluota, Florida.

How long will Victoria Goodwin be in prison?

She was sentenced to 36 to 90 months. Depending on parole and behavior, she will serve between 3 and 7.5 years in a Nevada state prison.