Man Admits Stabbing, Drowning 9-Year-Old In Bathtub In 2019 NJ Spree

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — A Willingboro man pleaded guilty Tuesday to killing three people during a 2019 spree that spanned several months, the Burlington County Acting Prosecutor said.

Terrance J. Matthews, 26, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the June 2019 stabbing death of 68-year-old Jennifer Vassell, officials said.

Matthews received another 60 years in prison for the stabbing death of Vassell's grandson, 9-year-old Ishon Mathlin Jr., and drowning him in a bathtub the same day of the Vassell killing, officials continued.

Vassell and Mathlin, who lived in Willingboro, were the grandmother and brother of Krissida Williams, Matthews' ex-girlfriend, according to officials.

"The motive for the killings stemmed from an argument Williams and Matthews had during a telephone call earlier in the day," officials said.

The killings had taken place while Williams was at work, according to officials. When she returned home, Matthews held her against her will, according to officials.

Williams escaped the day after the killings and authorities were notified, officials said. Matthews was captured that same day later after a police chase that was broadcast live on Matthews' Facebook account, officials said.

In court on Tuesday, Matthews also received a third 60-year-sentence for the February 2019 shooting death of 21-year-old Davell Williamson of Willingboro while Williamson sat inside a parked car, officials said. A passenger in the car was also shot but survived, officials continued.

A motive for the February shootings was not revealed by authorities.

Matthews' sentences will run concurrently, and he must serve 85 percent of the time before becoming eligible for parole, according to officials. His formal sentencing is scheduled for July 22, according to officials.

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