Walmart shooting victim on road to recovery

When Sharon Goffard reported for her shift at the Neenah Walmart store on Aug. 14, 2013, she had no inkling that she was in mortal danger.

Why would she? Goffard enjoyed her job and loved interacting with customers and fellow workers.

But those feelings of security were shattered irreparably on that weekday morning nearly two years ago.

Goffard was working at a cash register inside the store's liquor department when co-worker Justine Boyd walked in, pulled out a gun and shot Goffard in the abdomen. Boyd then returned to the customer service area at the store and mingled with others before she was arrested by Neenah police.

Boyd was sentenced recently to 30 years in prison for attempted first-degree intentional homicide. She will spend 10 years on extended supervision after her release from prison.

While Goffard was pleased that her assailant was held accountable, the impact of the shocking crime will likely never go away. Goffard sustained horrific injuries to her stomach area that have required multiple surgeries.

In addition to the physical pain and suffering, Goffard must cope with the emotional trauma associated with the shooting that nearly claimed her life.

"My life is full of fear," Goffard said at Boyd's sentencing on Aug. 23 in Winnebago County Circuit Court.

It's impossible for me — or anyone else — to understand what Goffard is going through.

I met her a year ago at her Neenah home, and was impressed by her good nature and her determination. While she was understandably outraged at being shot by a co-worker, Goffard wasn't going to let the tragedy define her life. She still feels that way.

Given what Goffard's already been through, I'd never bet against her.

— Andy Thompson: 920-993-1000, ext. 320, or awthompson@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @Thompson_AW