Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old poet and writer, was tragically shot dead on January 7, 2026, an event that has ignited a significant public debate. The incident occurred while she was driving her SUV and involved an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross, who claimed he fired in self-defense.
A video capturing Renee’s final moments has circulated on social media, garnering attention and diverse reactions from viewers. This footage, described as taken from the agent’s perspective, shows Renee in her vehicle with her wife, Becca Good, who was recording the interaction on her phone.
In the video, Renee can be heard reassuring the agent, stating, “It’s fine, dude, I’m not mad at you.” Becca, meanwhile, engages with the agent by discussing their license plate. She was quoted saying, “And just so you know, it will be the same plate when you come talk to us later. That’s fine. You want to come at us? Go get yourself some lunch, big boy.” The situation escalated when the agent ordered Renee to exit the car, leading to a series of confusing commands before multiple gunshots were fired.
Subsequent reports reveal that Renee was initially baffled by the mixed orders from the ICE officers, which included commands to move forward and to exit the vehicle. As she attempted to comply, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired multiple rounds, striking her in the head. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Renee was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Renee Nicole Good was an accomplished poet who graduated with a degree in English from Old Dominion University in 2020. She was recognized with the prestigious Academy of American Poets prize that same year. Throughout her life, Renee experienced multiple marriages; she had two children with her first husband and later remarried after his passing in 2023. Her most recent marriage was to Becca Good, with whom she co-owned a repair business, B. Good Handywork LLC. Together, they nurtured their six-year-old son.
The circumstances surrounding Renee’s death continue to raise questions regarding law enforcement’s use of force and the accountability of agents involved in such incidents. The public’s response, fueled by the viral video, showcases the broader societal issues relating to police conduct, particularly in interactions with individuals who may be confused or distressed.
As the investigation proceeds, discussions about the implications of this tragic event are likely to persist. What remains evident is the profound impact this incident has had on Renee’s family, friends, and the community, sparking calls for change and reflection on the interactions between civilians and law enforcement.