Ark Valley News - Couple receives Hard 50

Couple receives Hard 50
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: November 08, 2018

Sedgwick County District Court Judge Bruce Brown called the crimes of Jeff and Heidi Hillard "horrific, beyond imagination" and the "depth of depravity" before sentencing them each to life in prison on Nov. 6 — two years to the day after they murdered Scottie Goodpaster Jr. at a Valley Center home.

The Valley Center couple each received the Hard 50 sentence, meaning they are not eligible for parole until they have served 50 years. Heidi Hillard is 44. Jeff Hillard is 51.

Heidi Hillard produced crucial evidence of the crimes by recording audio of the torture of Goodpaster at the Hillard residence on South Meridian two years ago. She could be heard barking orders and making threats to Goodpaster — along with her husband and other accomplices. Other key evidence included witness testimony and video and evidence taken from the Hillard residence.

Goodpaster was tortured at the Hillard residence in a shed after being lured there following a confrontation at a hotel over $185 in missing methamphetamine money. The Hillards kidnapped Goodpaster's girlfriend and questioned her about their suspicion that Goodpaster wanted to set them up to be robbed or busted by police. They sexually assaulted her with a Taser and coerced a confession out of her regarding the alleged set-up.

A number of objects were used by the Hillards and their accomplices to torture Goodpaster. Jumper cables were attached to his genitals; an ax, screwdriver, staple gun, knife and many other blunt objects were found to have been used during the torture. Most contained the DNA of Goodpaster or one of the suspects.

At one point, Goodpaster escaped by jumping through a window and running down the driveway west toward Meridian. Surveillance footage taken from the property shows him being tackled, restrained and loaded into a pickup. Jeff Hillard then drove Goodpaster to Harvey County with two accomplices and dragged his body to a creek before suspending him in a tree.

Jeff Hillard received an addition 330 months in prison for other crimes ranging from kidnapping and rape to battery. Heidi Hillard received additional 534 months for being the ringleader.

Willie Morris was sentenced last May to 50 years with an additional 280 months. Brian Bussart is scheduled for trial later this month; he pled guilty to murder in exchange for his testimony and all additional charges will be dropped. Alexandria Scott also testified and is awaiting sentencing.