The penalty phase of the Adam Matos murder trial begins on Monday. Last week, Matos was convicted of four counts of first degree murder for the deaths of his ex-girlfriend Megan Brown, her new boyfriend Nicholas Leonard, and her parents Margaret and Gregory Brown in 2014. The penalty phase begins Monday morning and could end later in the day. The jury will have to decide whether to sentence Matos to death or life in prison.
Prosecutors argued during the main part of the trial that Matos first had a domestic dispute with Megan Brown on August 28, 2014, but left when his son woke up. He returned later that day and murdered her and the others. The next day, Matos allegedly started selling the Brown family’s belongings, including animals that the family owned.
Matos testified in his own defense during the trial, admitting to the killings but saying he acted in self-defense. He claimed all four were out to kill him, so he killed them to protect himself.
Stay with LawAndCrime.com and the Law & Crime Network for continuing coverage of the trial.