On an April evening in 2014, the life of 48-year-old Matthew S. Glassford, a White male, was tragically cut short in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The resident of the River West neighborhood was on the 500 block of W. Concordia Ave. shortly after 11 p.m. on April 8th when he was fatally shot. Emergency services who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead.
An autopsy later confirmed that Glassford had died from two gunshot wounds to his chest and back, and his death was officially ruled a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to three individuals: Corren Mattox, then 22, Terry Blunt, 23, and Davontay Ballinger, 21. According to the criminal complaint, the three men had planned to rob Glassford. Blunt knew Glassford as "Matt" and believed he would be carrying money, as Glassford occasionally purchased pills from Blunt's father. On the night of the incident, the trio located Glassford standing on the sidewalk. Mattox informed Blunt where he had hidden a. 22 caliber rifle, which Blunt then retrieved and concealed in his sleeve.
As the three men approached, Glassford attempted to flee onto a nearby porch and began banging on the door for help. Blunt pursued him onto the porch, demanding money. When Glassford stated he had none, Blunt shot him once, causing him to lean over the banister. A second shot caused Glassford to fall to the floor of the porch, and the three assailants then fled the scene.
All three men were eventually arrested in connection with the murder. During the investigation, accounts of who pulled the trigger varied, with Blunt initially blaming Mattox. However, Corren Mattox and Terry Blunt both ultimately pleaded guilty to felony murder. Mattox was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision. Blunt received a sentence of 18 years in prison with 12 years of extended supervision. Davontay Ballinger, who acted as a lookout, also reached a plea deal on a felony murder charge. The violent act had a lasting impact on Glassford's family, particularly his stepdaughter who had Down syndrome and had to be placed in a group home following his death.
