Handyman Convicted in Rape of Neighbor

     Aug. 22, 2022 – A Fox Meadows man was convicted Friday of raping an 81-year-old woman who lived in the same area and who had previously hired him to do yardwork and other chores, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.

    A Criminal Court jury convicted Matthew James Smith, 39, on felony counts of aggravated rape, robbery, aggravated burglary, and theft over $10,000. He will be sentenced next month by Judge Chris Craft.

    The assault occurred around 2 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2020, in the 3000 block of Flint Drive when a man identified as Smith entered the woman’s bedroom and raped her, breaking two of her ribs in the process.

    Smith also removed two televisions which he loaded into the victim’s Jeep Cherokee and drove away. The vehicle and TVs were found later less than a mile away and just three house from Smith’s residence.

    Investigators found a jacket with Smith’s wallet, which contained his state ID, which was left behind in the victim’s home. Her husband said he recognized a man he knew as “Matthew” grab their car keys as he ran out of the house to the garage and drive away in their car.

    Smith was arrested later that same day.

    The case was handled by Asst. Dist. Atty. Jose Leon of the Special Prosecution Unit and by Asst. Dist. Atty. Gavin Smith of the Special Victim’s Unit.