Matthew David Stinson, a 25-year-old male of African American ethnicity from Elyria, OH, tragically passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 17, 2014. He was born on July 21, 1989, in Kansas City, KS, and moved to Elyria with his family as an infant. Matthew was known for his love of sports, especially basketball and football, and his passion for music.
He was a painter in Lorain County and was survived by his children, fiancée, and extended family.
On the night of his death, Matthew was found slumped over in the stairwell of his apartment building on Wesley Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that Jeremy Diestler, a 30-year-old man from Grafton, OH, was responsible for Matthew's death. Diestler faced charges of aggravated murder, felonious assault, improperly discharging a firearm, tampering with evidence, and improper handling of a firearm. He was arrested and held without bond pending court appearances.
The case went to trial, and in February 2017, Diestler was found guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to 41 years to life in prison. During the trial, it was revealed that Diestler had been buying heroin from Matthew and claimed the quality of the product had decreased. In a fit of rage, Diestler shot Matthew 10 times with two separate guns in the stairwell of the apartment complex.
Matthew's family, including his parents, Catherine and William Stinson, and his children, attended the trial and sentencing. They spoke about the impact of Matthew's death on their lives and the future he could have had. The court acknowledged the pain and loss experienced by the family and imposed a severe sentence on Diestler.
The case highlighted the devastating consequences of drug-related violence and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead to such tragic events. Matthew's memory lives on through his family and the community that remembers him fondly.
