SAN DIEGO : Clairemont Killer Gets 38-to-Life Term
A Clairemont man was sentenced Monday to 38 years to life in state prison for murdering an elderly neighbor so he could steal money to buy drugs.
Matthew Wayne Thompson, 21, pleaded guilty one month ago to fatally stabbing Marion Newkirk, a 71-year-old man who lived next door on Mt. Aguilar Drive.
Newkirk’s severely decomposed body was found last Oct. 30, after a suspicious mailman summoned authorities. The mailman became worried after letters and newspapers began to pile up at the house. Based on the dates of the newspapers and letters, authorities believe Newkirk was killed at least 11 days before his body was discovered.
Thompson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and nine other theft-related crimes in a plea bargain where prosecutors agreed to drop special circumstance allegations that could have meant a life-without-parole sentence.
Thompson told probation officials that he was in search of money for crack cocaine when the attack happened. He also stole checks and credit cards.
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