Defendant Convicted of Attempted Murder for Trying to Set His Mother on Fire
August 23, 2024
Brighton, CO — Today, District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the Attempted Murder conviction of Matthew Nicholas, 41, following a five-day jury trial in Adams County District Court.
On December 12, 2023, the victim, Matthew Nicholas’ mother, was driving her vehicle along Tower Road in Commerce City when Nicholas became upset and began to demand that she play a game of truth or dare. Nicholas said if she did not tell the truth he would shave her head with electric trimmers.
As they continued to drive along Tower Road, Nicholas became upset and dumped a cup of gasoline on his mother while activating a lighter that produced a flame. The victim was in fear for her life. She spotted a construction crew nearby and pulled the vehicle into the construction area along Second Creek Plaza Drive. The victim jumped out of her car and screamed for help. The construction workers in the area rushed in to assist and apprehended Nicholas until Commerce City Police arrived.
Some of the workers observed Nicholas trying to set his mother on fire with a lighter. The victim said Nicholas was upset about an internal family matter that appeared to trigger his behavior during this incident.
The case proceeded to trial on August 19, 2024. The jury heard several days of testimony and reached a guilty verdict on August 23, 2024. Nicholas was convicted of Attempted Second-Degree Murder (F3), Attempted First-Degree Assault (F4), and Third-Degree Motor Vehicle Theft (F6). The defendant will be sentenced in Adams County District Court on October 28, 2024.
“This defendant poured gasoline on his own mother and tried to light her on fire,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “This was an egregious and unthinkable crime. I’m grateful to the jury for reaching a just verdict, and I’m especially grateful to the construction workers who sprang into action to help an innocent victim, likely saving her life.”
Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah Babb led the prosecution of this case.
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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17th Judicial District.