LANCASTER, Pa.–A 26-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for murdering a Brownstown Elementary teacher in Dec. 2014, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office.
Thomas G. Moore plead guilty to first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and related charges regarding the Dec. 15 killing of Nicole Mathewson inside her Lancaster city home.
Prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty at trial in April.
Moore plead guilty to the charges in exchange for the life-plus-20-to-40-years sentence, negotiated by First Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Larsen, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Lechner and Moore’s defense team.
Nicole Mathewson, 32, was slain in the middle of the night during a burglary inside of her home along the 700 block of North Franklin Street. Mathewson’s debit card, vehicle and other items were stolen.
“I just want to apologize for everything everybody’s been through,” Moore said after being asked by County Judge David Ashworth for comment. “I appreciate the forgiveness. That’s it.”
Moore provided no explanation as to why he killed Mathewson, prosecutors said.
Moore and 17-year-old Marcus Rutter were both charged in the case. Rutter is scheduled to stand trial on April 12 for his role in Mathewson’s murder. Rutter, who was 16 at the time of the crime, is being prosecuted as an adult.
Mathewson’s loved ones described her as a selfless person and devoted teacher.
“She would’ve helped you and probably has forgiven you,” Tina Mathewson, Nicole’s mother, said in a statement read by friend Elizabeth Foster.
Mark Mathewson, Nicole’s father, addressed Moore on Friday by saying: “It’s hard for me to understand evil – and you are evil. You had a pregnant girlfriend. Why would you jeopardize that? I feel sorry for her and your young child.”
Moore also was ordered by the judge to pay $38,566 in restitution costs.
