Aaron Goodwin, best known as the fun-loving, bearded paranormal investigator from Ghost Adventures, has always been a fan favorite. His humorous antics, occasional fears, and larger-than-life personality made him one of the most recognizable faces in the world of supernatural exploration. But while his on-screen encounters with spirits have captivated audiences, it’s his real-life encounters that have taken a dark and unexpected turn.
For years, Aaron shared glimpses of his love life on social media, often posting about his wife, Victoria Goodwin. They had a love story that seemed like a fairy tale—right up until it unraveled into something out of a true crime thriller. The couple started dating in 2018, and Aaron was quick to show his affection. By 2019, they were engaged, and he gushed about Victoria on Instagram, writing, “I’m so lucky to have her in my life. She helps me when I’m down & she always makes me laugh.”
They had to postpone their wedding multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but finally, on August 9, 2022, they tied the knot in the most fitting location for a ghost hunter—Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The ceremony was pure magic, complete with Cinderella-like decor, a tiara for the bride, king and queen chairs at the reception, and even a horse-drawn carriage.
Inside Aaron Goodwin’s Marriage to Victoria Goodwin
In their early years as a married couple, everything seemed blissful. They adopted a kitten named Dodger in October 2024, a furry little stray who had snuck into their home and wouldn’t leave Victoria’s side. The couple, already parents to a dog named Moose and two pet rats, welcomed their new fur baby with open arms. Aaron shared the story on Instagram, writing, “He held on & stuck next to us. So we got him his shots & now we have a little fur baby! I love cats so this was a no brainer.”
Their love for animals, shared adventures, and romantic outings—like their Valentine’s Day 2025 mini golf date, where Aaron joked about how his wife always beat him—painted the picture of a happy couple. But that picture was about to shatter.
On March 6, 2025, Victoria was arrested in Clark County, Nevada, on charges that seemed straight out of a crime documentary—solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder. According to authorities, Victoria had allegedly plotted to have Aaron killed. Investigators discovered text messages between her and an inmate at a Florida prison, revealing that she had been planning the hit since October 2024. In the chilling texts, Victoria allegedly wrote, “Am I a bad person? Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce.”
The plan was disturbingly detailed. Police claim that Victoria had set aside $11,515 to pay a hitman and even provided the inmate with Aaron Goodwin’s filming schedule for Ghost Adventures. A recovered message from the inmate to the hitman read, “He’s asleep right now in the hotel room … I need to know what’s going on. Can I get an update? Was it done?” Victoria had allegedly made an initial down payment of $2,500, but the murder never took place. The scheme only came to light when prison officials confiscated the inmate’s contraband phone and uncovered the messages.
When confronted by police, Victoria denied everything. She claimed she didn’t remember sending the texts and insisted that the money she had set aside was for purchasing cell phones—not for hiring a contract killer. She did, however, admit that she and Aaron were experiencing marital problems, but she maintained that she never wanted him dead. Meanwhile, Aaron was completely blindsided. He told TMZ that he had thought he was in a happy marriage and was devastated by the arrest.
Chronic Illness Warrior to Criminal Suspect: What Went Wrong With Victoria?
Victoria’s arrest shocked fans, especially given her past struggles and advocacy work. Before meeting Aaron, she was a collegiate golfer with dreams of going pro until she was diagnosed with achalasia, a rare condition that makes it difficult to swallow. In December 2024, she spoke about her journey on the Motivational Talks With Ash podcast, detailing how her diagnosis changed her life and led her to advocate for chronic illness awareness.
On Instagram, she often shared messages about her struggles with PTSD and achalasia, hoping to inspire others dealing with similar conditions. “My heart goes out to my fellow Achalasia/CardioSpasm warriors, and all those dealing with chronic illnesses & PTSD,” she wrote in a June 2024 post, showing photos of her surgery scars.
Despite her advocacy and public persona, Aaron Goodwin’s wife now faces serious legal trouble. Victoria is currently being held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on March 11, 2025. The question remains—was this truly a cold-blooded murder-for-hire plot, or is there more to the story?
Meanwhile, Aaron is left to pick up the pieces. Known for his energetic personality, fans have always seen him as the comic relief on Ghost Adventures, but this real-life horror story has placed him in an unimaginable situation. Even Zak Bagans, his longtime friend and co-star, expressed his support, telling TMZ that it was an “emotional time” for Aaron and that he was doing his best to be there for him.
As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: what started as a seemingly perfect love story has turned into a nightmare. A marriage that began at the Haunted Mansion is now overshadowed by something far scarier than ghosts—a shocking betrayal that no one saw coming.
