SOMERVILLE, NJ (Somerset County) – After a two-week trial, a Somerset County jury on Monday convicted Daniel Matthews, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, of several charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the December 29, 2023, homicide of Franklin Township resident, Artis Timothy Young, according to the Somerset County prosecutor’s Office.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Young, 46, was murdered at Matthews’ family residence in Franklin Township during a robbery involving a large quantity of marijuana. The jury’s decision followed extensive testimony and forensic evidence linking Matthews to the crime, authorities said.
On December 30, 2023, the Franklin Township Police Department received a missing person report from Young’s family. Further investigation revealed that Young had planned to meet with Matthews in Franklin Township on December 29, 2023. Later that day, Young was found dead in Brooklyn, New York. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as homicide by ligature strangulation.
Matthews and co-defendant Andrew Mumby were identified as suspects in Young’s death. Surveillance footage showed the two men at multiple locations in the hours after the homicide, with Matthews often seen carrying cleaning supplies for Young’s car. Matthews’ cellphone records placed him at the scene of the crime and the location where Young’s body was disposed of in Brooklyn. Forensic evidence further confirmed Matthews’ involvement, including traces of Young’s blood and DNA found in Matthews’ vehicle, his garage, and on his clothing.
A witness testified that the murder occurred during a robbery connected to a large quantity of marijuana. Andrew Mumby has already pled guilty to his role in the crime.
Matthews was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree conspiracy to disturb human remains, second-degree disturbing human remains, and two counts of third-degree hindering apprehension. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at which time Matthews faces up to life in prison for the murder charge.
