A Washington, D.C. man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of Sylvia Matthews, a crime that occurred on December 3, 2021. Michael Garrett, 70, received his sentence from D.C. Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on September 11, 2026, following a guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the sentencing, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the case.
Garrett’s plea came after a history of violence against Matthews, including a previous conviction for assaulting her. He had been released in March 2021 after serving over 20 years for an earlier assault on Matthews, a decision the U.S. Attorney’s Office opposed due to his past behavior. Judge Kravitz ordered Garrett to serve an additional five years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents, Matthews contacted 911 on the day of the murder to report that Garrett had broken windows at her home and attempted to enter. After multiple police responses, officers returned to the scene later that morning and found Matthews severely injured at the bottom of her basement stairs. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruling her death a homicide caused by blunt force injuries.
U.S. Attorney Pirro expressed that Matthews deserved “safety, dignity, and peace,” which Garrett had repeatedly taken from her. She underscored the unfortunate irony that Garrett had previously been granted compassionate release, allowing him the opportunity to commit further violence against Matthews. The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natalie Hynum and Emma McArthur.
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