Craig Godineaux, also known by the nickname "Jamaica," was born around 1970 and resided in New York City. He had a troubled upbringing and was diagnosed early in life with cognitive impairments. Tests conducted during his youth revealed an IQ of under 70, qualifying him under New York State law as "mentally retarded" (now referred to as intellectually disabled). This diagnosis would later become a determining factor in his criminal sentencing.

Little has been publicly documented about Godineaux’s employment history or personal background beyond his association with John B. Taylor, the co-conspirator in the Wendy's massacre. It is believed that Taylor, who had previously worked at the Flushing, Queens Wendy’s location, recruited Godineaux to assist in a premeditated armed robbery and planned execution of all witnesses. Given Godineaux’s intellectual disability, his role in the planning and execution of the crime raised serious ethical and legal questions during the investigation and trial.

On May 24, 2000, Craig Godineaux participated in one of New York City’s most notorious mass killings—commonly known as the Wendy’s Massacre. Alongside former Wendy’s employee John Taylor, Godineaux entered the restaurant on Main Street in Flushing, Queens, shortly before closing time. Taylor instructed his former manager, Jean Auguste, to gather six other employees in the manager’s office under the pretense of a mandatory meeting.

Once the employees were gathered, Taylor and Godineaux brandished firearms and forced all seven staff members into the walk-in freezer. At gunpoint, they were bound, gagged, and had plastic bags placed over their heads. The duo then shot each victim in the head, execution-style. One victim was also shot in the chest. Five victims died, while two survived the massacre. The killers made off with $2,400 from the safe. The brutality of the attack shocked the nation. Less than 48 hours later, NYPD detectives arrested both Taylor and Godineaux, aided by physical evidence, fingerprints, and forensic ballistics.

On January 22, 2001, Godineaux pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder. Due to his IQ being below 70, he was legally ineligible for the death penalty under U.S. Supreme Court precedent and New York State law. This mental impairment also played a significant role in shaping the narrative of his involvement—some viewed him as a manipulated accomplice rather than a mastermind.

Godineaux was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Since 2001, he has been incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County, New York. As of 2025, he continues to serve his sentence there.

While Taylor was initially sentenced to death before being re-sentenced to life in 2007, Godineaux's punishment remained unchanged due to his cognitive status.