SOMERVILLE, NJ — A Brooklyn man convicted in the murder of a Franklin Township resident during a robbery involving marijuana was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in New Jersey State Prison, prosecutors announced.
Daniel Matthews, 45, was found guilty by a Somerset County jury in March of first-degree murder and multiple related charges in the death of 46-year-old Artis Timothy Young. Under the No Early Release Act, Matthews must serve 85 percent of his sentence — 42.5 years — before becoming eligible for parole.
Key Points
- Daniel Matthews sentenced to 50 years for the murder of Artis Timothy Young.
- The killing occurred during a robbery involving a large quantity of marijuana.
- Matthews must serve 42.5 years before parole eligibility under the No Early Release Act.
Authorities said Young had planned to meet Matthews on December 29, 2023, in Franklin Township. After Young was reported missing the next day, investigators learned his body had been transported to Brooklyn, New York, and dumped after being strangled.
An autopsy by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Young’s death a homicide by ligature strangulation. Forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and Matthews’ cellphone records tied him directly to the murder, transport, and concealment of Young’s body.
Investigation linked Matthews and accomplice to crime
Officials said Matthews and accomplice Andrew Mumby were seen on surveillance video moving Young’s car and cleaning it following the murder. Matthews was shown wearing a sweatsuit stained with Young’s blood, and forensic analysis later confirmed the presence of both men’s DNA on the clothing and in the victim’s vehicle.
A witness testified that the homicide was committed during a robbery connected to a large quantity of marijuana. Mumby has since pled guilty to charges related to his role in the crime.
Sentencing concludes high-profile murder case in Somerset County
Judge Angela F. Borkowski handed down Matthews’ 50-year sentence in Somerset County Superior Court. Matthews was also sentenced on other charges including first-degree robbery, second-degree conspiracy to disturb human remains, second-degree disturbing human remains, and two counts of third-degree hindering apprehension, all to run concurrent to his murder sentence.
