A court has handed a groundbreaking 158-year prison sentence to former Denver cardiologist Stephen Matthews after it found him guilty of drugging and raping multiple women over four years.
The lengthy sentencing followed Matthews' conviction for sexually assaulting women he met through dating apps, the New York Post reported.
Stephen Matthews, 36, once respected in his field, faced a judge’s sentence in August for his horrific acts that spanned from 2019 to 2023. He used popular dating apps like Hinge and Tinder to arrange meetings with his victims, luring them to his townhouse under deceitful pretenses.
Once the women arrived at his residence, Matthews employed a chilling tactic by spiking their drinks to incapacitate them. Court reports reveal that eight out of the ten women who visited his home suffered the same fate: they were drugged and raped, which left them with gaping lapses in memory and profound disorientation.
During the sentencing phase, nearly two dozen victims and their affiliates detailed the dire consequences of these assaults through emotional testimonies. The survivors recounted their harrowing experiences of waking up traumatized and piecing together the horrors inflicted upon them.
One telling statement from a victim encapsulated the grievous nature of the crimes: "You drugged me and raped me and manipulated me into thinking it was my fault." This manipulation extended beyond physical assaults, as Matthews mentally maneuvered the women into blaming themselves.
Matthews, however, remained silent during these proceedings, not offering any apology or explanation for his actions. His attorney made it clear that an appeal was forthcoming—marking the only resistance against the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.
In a strikingly contrasting plea, Matthews' parents, particularly his mother, sought leniency for their son. They pointed to his struggles with alcoholism, expressing hope for his rehabilitation, though the plea fell on largely deaf ears in the courtroom filled with his victims.
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann and Prosecutor Victoria Kelley stood firm against any narrative of leniency, suggesting the number of Matthews' victims could be considerably higher, potentially in the dozens. They underscored the brutality and premeditation of his actions, which swayed the court's approach to sentencing.
Judge Eric Johnson reflected this sentiment strongly in his address to the court, denouncing Matthews' actions as dehumanizing and destructive to the lives he touched. "Evidence in this case is overwhelming," Johnson declared, "You have diminished this world."
The judicial system's support for the victims was palpable, not just in sentencing, but also in the affirmations provided by the judge, who assured them: "You were believed—the verdict said that."
The ramifications of Matthews' crimes resonate deeply within the Denver community and beyond, disrupting lives and leaving a stain of distrust across social and professional networks.
A victim’s mother poignantly captured the extended impact of Matthews' actions, claiming he had imposed a "life sentence on these women and their families." Her words echoed throughout the courtroom, a grim reminder of the enduring pain caused by such transgressions.
Amid the recounted traumas was a resolute voice of a victim, stating, "We are now a powerful army of survivors—and you are nothing." This statement served not just as a denouncement of Matthews but also as a rallying cry for those affected, emphasizing their strength and unity in the face of atrocity.
As Matthews prepares for an appeal, the court's decision resonates as a clear message regarding the gravity of such offenses within the judicial system. The extensive sentence reflects not only the severity of the crimes but also a societal condemnation of such predatory behavior, especially by individuals in positions of trust and power.
District Attorney McCann expressed cautious optimism that the outcome would bring some solace to the survivors, praising their bravery in confronting their assaulter and aiding in securing his conviction.
In summarizing the case, the court and community recognize the deep scars that Matthews has inflicted but also the tenacity of those who stood against him. With a strong verdict, the justice system reinstates a measure of safety and a path toward healing for those affected.
