Joy and Sean's 'emails to each other'

After Sean Goff killed Joy Risker on September 19, 2003, he told her friends and family that she had run away with an old boyfriend but that she was keeping in touch with him by e-mail. To support his ruse, in case anyone checked, he began an e-mail correspondence with himself. He signed on to Joy's e-mail account and sent himself emails to which he would reply.

The e-mails below were recovered by a forensic computer expert. Addresses have been deleted.

The e-mails have been sorted in chronological order. The undated emails have been organized by discussion thread (where possible).

In one e-mail, the word "unintelligible" appears. This signifies that the word was not recovered when the document was found in the computer hard drive.

September

On 9/26/03 10:35 am, Joy Risker wrote:

Hi, Sean, I know you are sad and that the kids are missing me. I cannot tell you how much I’m missing them. But I know I’ve been miserable for years being tied down in a house and now as a mother, I just can’t see that I would ever be able to function in life without going crazy. I have to get out and experience the world around me and know that there is life outside of those four walls. I know you’ve heard all this a thousand times and it’s a lot of regamaro [sic] to you, but it’s really how I feel. I just wanted to make sure that you were serious that I could talk to you after a year and then we could work out some sort of visitation schedule. I know you’re talking to my Dad and he’s probably telling you to do something crazy like come and get me. I know I can’t talk to him now no matter how much I love him, but I also know that there were years when we didn’t really talk, and I was the one that opened communication this time and kept it open. I know that someday that will happen again, but it can’t be now. Just let me know if you’re really serious about the year and the kids. Joy.

Sean Barclay Goff wrote:

Dear Joy, You know that I have always kept my word to you and I am so sorry I could not make you happy. Maybe this is for the best and some day we can be good friends, but as far as the kids are concerned, you know I will do what is best for them. I meant what I said about the year. I just have one request, that as long as you want to see them, you’ll email me at least every three months and let me know how things are. If you cannot at least do that, I may not allow you to see the kids. I will talk to your father about this also and get his advice, but it would just be easier if you did this for me. I will always love you although I know you will never be my wife again. However, we are working to give the boys a good home and a loving environment to thrive in. I know when they are grown they will make us all proud. Love, Sean.

Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 10:42:32 -700 (PDT)
From: Joy Risker
Subject: Re: Hi

Thanks, Sean. I’ll try to send an email at least every three months. When I’m in Europe backpacking, I might not always have email access, but I’ll do my best. Joy

October

Sean Barclay Goff wrote:

Hi, Joy. I sold the bed like you asked. BTW, there’s about $4800.00 in your saving account including some that that you drew from your credit card. Please do something with this money like transfer it to checking so you can take care of the bills you have. Also, please write me back because Jill even called the police to file a missing person’s report on you and they came in the middle of the night to ask questions. This kind of stuff really has to stop. I’m not trying to be mean, but I’m trying to provide a stable environment for the kids and it’s not fair to Sheila either. Please take care of your friends, okay? I still love you although I know we can never be together, but at least someday, when you come back, you can be a mother to the kids and we can show them the love they deserve. Think about it, okay. I know [our son] is missing you. Sean.

Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2003 09:12:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Risker [ name/email deleted]
Subject: Re: Bed and other matters
To: Sean Barclay Goff

Sean, I transferred the money over and I’ll take care of it. I also wrote Jill and Saud so everything should be taken care of. Thanks for selling the bed. If you can sell the car later, I’ll use the money as a down payment on a new one when I get back to the states. No rush. I know you were counting on some money from me before I left, so we can work that out too or you can just deduct it from what you make on my car or whatever. Kiss the boys and tell them Dhavi loves them. Joy

FW: My trip.
From: Joy Risker
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2003 19:47:49 – 700 (PDT)
Subject: My trip
Sean, I know this is hard, but I’m leaving for Europe tomorrow. I’ll try to email each three months like we agreed. Just don’t hold me to the day. I do love you in a way. I’m just not in love with you and I have to do this. Please take care of [names deleted]. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to them.
Joy

CONTINUED

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