Nicholas C. Matthews, a 33-year-old male from Jacksonville, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on May 27, 2020. The incident occurred in the area of Myna Drive in Jacksonville, where deputies responded to a reported robbery and shooting. Upon arrival, they found no victim or witnesses. However, shortly after, Onslow Memorial Hospital reported that a gunshot victim had been brought to the hospital by a private vehicle.
The victim, identified as Nicholas Carl Matthews, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds, pending an official autopsy.
The investigation into Nicholas C. Matthews' death led to the arrest of Deon Leon Townsell, a 20-year-old male from Jacksonville. Townsell was apprehended during a traffic stop by Onslow County Sheriff's deputies on June 1, 2020. During the arrest, Townsell was found in possession of a half-pound of marijuana and a loaded handgun. Following the arrest, Townsell was charged with one open count of murder and was incarcerated with no bond, awaiting his first court appearance.
In June 2022, Deon Leon Townsell pled guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Nicholas Carl Matthews. Judge George Frank Jones sentenced Townsell to 144-185 months in prison. The plea and subsequent sentencing brought some closure to the case, as Townsell admitted to his involvement in the tragic incident that claimed the life of Nicholas C. Matthews. The investigation and legal proceedings highlighted the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in seeking justice for the victim and his family.
