By: Richard L. Smith
A jury in Somerset County has convicted 45-year-old Daniel Matthews of Brooklyn, New York, on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the 2023 killing of Franklin Township resident Artis Timothy Young.
After a two-week trial, the jury delivered its verdict on March 3, 2025. Matthews now faces a potential life sentence when he is sentenced on April 25. 
Authorities said the murder occurred on December 29, 2023, at Matthews’ family home in Franklin Township during a robbery involving a large quantity of marijuana.
The next day, Young’s family reported him missing to the Franklin Township Police Department. Investigators later determined that Young had planned to meet Matthews that evening.
During the early morning hours of December 30, Young’s body was found in Brooklyn, New York. The city’s medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by ligature strangulation.
The investigation identified Matthews and an accomplice, Andrew Mumby, as suspects. Prosecutors revealed that after the killing, the two men transported Young’s body in the trunk of his own vehicle before abandoning it in Brooklyn.
Surveillance footage captured both men at various locations with the victim’s car in the 12 hours following the crime, with Matthews frequently seen handling cleaning supplies.
Forensic evidence confirmed Young’s blood and DNA in the trunk of his car, on the floor of the garage at Matthews’ residence, and on a sweatsuit Matthews was seen wearing on surveillance footage. Matthews’ DNA was also found on the clothing, mixed with Young’s blood.
A witness testified that the homicide was tied to a robbery involving a large amount of marijuana.
Mumby has pleaded guilty to his role in the crime, while Matthews awaits sentencing next month.