In the fall of 2015, the life of Richard Matthew "Matt" Tangherlini, a 27-year-old male from Brockton, Massachusetts, was tragically cut short. On October 5, 2015, what began as a transaction for marijuana devolved into a fatal act of violence. Tangherlini was shot and killed during what authorities described as an attempted robbery connected to the sale.
The incident sent shockwaves through his community, leaving family and friends to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a man remembered for his positive energy and love for life.
Richard, a 2006 graduate of Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical High School, was known for his passion for cars and was an active member of South Shore Customs. He was described by those who knew him as a "positive light," someone who was filled with love for everyone and who took the time to connect with people from all walks of life. His obituary paints a picture of a man with a unique perspective on life, who believed in a greater journey and relished sharing his spiritual insights and knowledge with others.
The investigation into Tangherlini's death led authorities to a suspect, Evyn Garner, a 22-year-old from the nearby town of Abington. Evidence gathered by investigators pointed to Garner as the individual who attempted to rob Tangherlini, a confrontation that ultimately led to the fatal shooting. Garner was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the killing.
The legal process that followed culminated in a conviction for Evyn Garner. In November of 2017, he was scheduled to be sentenced for his role in Richard Tangherlini's death. The conclusion of the court case brought a sense of legal closure to the family, though it could never erase the pain of their loss. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from illicit transactions and the profound impact of senseless violence on a community and the lives of those left behind.
