Georgia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Brutal Murder of Newlywed Wife
A shocking crime has led to a Georgia man being sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his newlywed wife. Matthew Jamal Kendrick, 24, was found guilty of repeatedly stabbing his wife, Shateria Unique Kendrick, 20, in a parking lot just 10 days after their wedding.
The trial, which lasted for three days, concluded with a quick verdict from the jury, who took only about 15 minutes to find Matthew Kendrick guilty of malice murder. Following the conviction, Houston County Superior Court Judge G.E. Bo Adams handed down a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
The tragic incident unfolded on January 11, 2022, when Matthew Kendrick called 911 and admitted to stabbing his wife during the call. However, he later claimed that he acted in self-defense, alleging that Shateria had tried to run him over with his car at Creekwood Park in Perry, Georgia.
Investigators, however, quickly debunked his claim by examining surveillance footage from the scene. The video showed the couple entering the car together before Matthew Kendrick exited the vehicle, forcefully opened his wife’s door, and repeatedly stabbed her. He then got back in the car, drove away, and left Shateria’s dying body behind in the parking lot.
The murder weapon was found near Matthew Kendrick, covered in blood. DNA testing confirmed that both the blood on his hands and the knife belonged to his wife. Tragically, Shateria succumbed to her wounds at Perry Hospital.
During the trial, evidence was presented regarding a prior incident of domestic violence involving Matthew Kendrick. Several months before their marriage, he fired a gun during an argument with his then-girlfriend, highlighting a history of violent behavior.
Assistant District Attorney Justin Duane expressed his sympathy for Shateria’s family and emphasized the importance of addressing domestic abuse. He described Matthew Kendrick’s lack of remorse as that of a textbook domestic abuser, demonstrating how such abuse typically escalates over time.
Prosecutors pushed for a sentence of life without the possibility of parole due to the heinous nature of the killing. However, the defense requested an opportunity for rehabilitation, and the judge ultimately granted the possibility of parole after 30 years.
The tragic murder of Shateria Kendrick serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. As the community mourns her loss, justice has been served. The hope now is that this case will raise awareness about domestic abuse and lead to further efforts to prevent such senseless acts of violence.
