Edward Matthews, a 47-year-old white man from New Jersey, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of racially motivated abuses against his black neighbors. The sentencing comes after Matthews went viral in July 2021 when a video captured him hurling racial slurs and spitting on a black neighbor.
The court heard that Matthews had been terrorizing his black neighbors for years, engaging in a range of hateful activities. These included firing BB pellets at their cars, using racial slurs, placing feces on their properties, and sending threatening emails and letters.
The most egregious incident occurred in the viral video, where Matthews was seen verbally assaulting a black neighbor. The video shed light on the depth of racial animosity Matthews had been fostering within the community.
Victims recounted their experiences, detailing the sustained campaign of harassment they endured at the hands of Matthews. The court took into account the severity and longevity of the abuse when determining the sentence.
Matthews, who has been in custody since his arrest, will receive credit for the 886 days spent in jail. The case highlights the significance of addressing and penalizing hate crimes to ensure the safety and well-being of communities and to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.