Suspected non-citizen denied bond, allegedly killed Columbus surgeon in DUI wrong-way crash

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – A suspected undocumented noncitizen with a prior DUI conviction in Lee County is facing reckless murder charges in an alleged DUI-related wrong-way crash that killed a prominent and beloved Columbus surgeon. The Opelika Police Department confirmed Gomez Lopez has a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

During Monday’s Aniah’s Law hearing, a Lee County judge denied bond for Armin Rubido Gomez-Lopez, who is believed to be an undocumented noncitizen without a valid driver’s license or ID.

The 41-year-old was arrested on September 30th in connection with the alleged reckless murder of Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, a well-known surgeon from Columbus, Georgia.

According to detectives, on September 7th, Gomez-Lopez was driving a Toyota 4Runner the wrong way down the northbound ramp at exit 62 off Interstate 85, colliding head-on with a Tesla driven by Dr. Goodchild. The Tesla caught fire, and Dr. Goodchild later died from his injuries at Piedmont Columbus Regional. His wife, who was in the passenger seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Gomez-Lopez, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, was hospitalized for several weeks before his arrest.

During Monday’s hearing, investigators testified that empty and unopened alcoholic beverages were found in Gomez-Lopez’s vehicle, and he smelled of alcohol. Blood alcohol test results are pending.

Gomez-Lopez remains behind bars at the Lee County Detention Facility.

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