john goodwin , 75 , of atkinson , new hampshire , went on trial this week on six counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault .
he had pleaded not guilty in the case in which prosecutors said he repeatedly sexually assaulted a student , who is now 24 .
the former student said he did n't come forward until 2013 because he was embarrassed .
court officials said he shot himself outside his car while not in custody .
he was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but his condition has not been disclosed .