Published: April 16, 2008 02:11 am            

COURTS: Matt guilty of murder

After four hours of deliberation, a Niagara County Court jury found Richard Matt guilty on three charges of second-degree murder, two charges of first-degree robbery and three charges of first-degree kidnapping.

After listening for almost four weeks to more than 30 witnesses, the jury decided Matt is the cold-blooded killer that prosecutors call him instead of a guy being set up by a former friend as his defense contends.

Matt’s charges stemmed from the December 1997 robbery, kidnapping and dismemberment murder of North Tonawanda businessman William Rickerson.

His co-defendant in the case, Lee Bates, is serving a 15 years-to-life prison term for his June 1998 guilty plea to a charge of second-degree murder as an accomplice. Bates spent more than two days on the witnesses stand testifying against his former pal, whom he met while hanging out at a Canadian strip joint.

Defense co-counsel Matthew Pynn said that Matt was confident he would be acquitted before the jury came back. Afterward, Matt sat steely eyed and emotionless as the jury forewoman read her guilty verdict on all charges.

“He took it very calmly and stoically,” Pynn said.

Pynn said he had no regrets about how the case was handled and he was sure there would be an appeal. Public defender Christopher Privateer said he was disappointed at the result, and that he would see during the coming week if there was anything to be done about it.

Members of Rickerson’s family burst into tears as the verdicts came in and shook hands with prosecutors. The victim’s son, William Rickerson Jr., said he couldn’t imagine two more dedicated and qualified people than the prosecutors who handled the case.

“I’m grateful to see that Matt will be off the streets,” Rickerson said. “I’d like to thank the judge, the jury and especially our two prosecutors who did excellent work.”

Mordino said there was never a doubt in his mind that Matt was the killer, but special prosecutor Lou Haremski said even when the perpetrator is found guilty, there’s never any real satisfaction when a family like the Rickersons have had to endure such a loss.

Matt will be in court again for sentencing at 9 a.m. May 30 and is being held without bail.

        

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