Detectives: Romance novels raise suspicion in young mom’s disappearance

Warning: Some readers may find this video offensive.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Nearly three months after a young, mother of three vanished—new clues into her disappearance may have emerged. Detectives say several romance books may actually offer clues into what happened to 28-year-old Nicole Goodlett.

Earlier this month, the Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office assisted the Spartanburg Co. Sheriff’s Office with looking for the missing mom. Her parents also traveled to Moncks Corner, pleading to the community to help them bring their daughter home.

Investigators say Goodlett was last seen by her boyfriend, Jerald Howard, in the upstate. Howard, who is from Huger, has been identified as a person of interest in the case.  Investigators are trying to locate him.

In an interview with WYFF-TV, investigators say some online “novels” written by Howard are increasing their suspicion about his possible involvement with her disappearance. Detectives believe Goodlett’s boyfriend may have taken her back to Berkeley County and harmed her.

According to Howard’s website, he is a graduate of Clemson University and has always had a passion for writing. The site contains links to several racy novels he has written including: You Opened Your Legs Before I Opened My Heart: Life after the Night, When No Means Yes and Black Woman You Are.

Howard has several YouTube videos posted online. In one of the clips, he recites a poem titled Before He Opened His Heart. In one line of the poem Howard reads, “She said that she’s a good woman and cried throughout her fit. I looked her in her eyes and told her that’s bullsh*t.”

Kevin Bobo, with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office told WYFF-TV, “It’s just another piece of the puzzle that adds into his background. It’s my understanding they’re works of fiction, but from what I’ve been told, the content of them, some can consider disturbing.”

On Howard’s website, he says that a portion of the sales generated from his writings goes toward the research and development of a cure for breast cancer.

Goodlett’s family has put up a reward of $2,000 for any  information that provides any leads in the case.  Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC or 843-554-1111, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at 843-719-4412 or the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office at (864) 503-4509.

Prior Story:

Deputies look for young mother of three, foul play suspected