Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Richard Smith, 39, of East Orange was sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison for the murder of Charles David Mathis, 24, of Newark.

Mathis was fatally stabbed on Dec. 18, 2006 at St. John’s Masonic Lodge located at 428 Central Ave in East Orange. Both men were attending a Jamaican party at the lodge.

The victim went into a secluded area in the lodge to use the bathroom when Smith stabbed Mathis in the neck and the chest, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer A. Handley who tried the case. The chest wound was fatal.

The case was unsolved until March 2010 when a witness came forward. On March 3, 2011 Smith, who is originally from Jamaica but was living in East Orange at the time of the murder, was convicted of first degree murder, 4th degree unlawful possession of a weapon – a knife, and 3rd degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Smith must serve a mandatory minimum of 30 years before he is eligible for parole.

“Even though the murder occurred in 2006, we continued to work to solve it. That relentless pursuit of justice ended with a 30-year sentence today,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Handley. “We hope the outcome will provide a small measure of comfort to his parents.’’

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Richard Smith, 39, of Newark of the murder of Charles David Mathis, 24, also of Newark. Smith was also convicted of two weapons charges.

Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Handley said the murder occurred on Dec. 18, 2006 at the St. John’s Masonic Lodge located at 428 Central Avenue in East Orange.

The two men got into an altercation outside the bathroom at approximately 3:25 am. Mathis was fatally stabbed in the chest and neck. He was taken to UMDNJ Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:10 am. The motive for the murder was never determined.

“Even though the murder occurred in 2006, we relentlessly pursued justice in this case.
And, today the jury has rendered a verdict that is consistent with the facts of the case’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Handley.

The trial started on Feb. 14. The jury deliberated approximately four hours before finding Smith guilty on all counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 29 before the Honorable Paul Vichness, J.S.C. When Smith is sentenced he faces 30 years to life.

Bail had been set at $400,000 but the judge revoked Smith’s bail following the verdict.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced the arrest of Richard Smith, 28, of Newark for the Dec. 18, 2006 shooting death of Charles Mathis, 24, of Newark. He was charged with first degree murder and weapons offenses.

Smith was already in custody on an unrelated matter when he was charged with the murder and weapons offenses. On Mar. 2, 2010 he was arrested and charged with possession of seven pounds of marijuana. The arrest was made by the Irvington Violent Crimes Task Force which is made up of officers from the Irvington Police Department, the New Jersey State Police and the Essex Court Prosecutor’s.

Mathis was fatally stabbed in the chest at the St. Johns night club on Central Avenue in East Orange on Dec. 18, 2006.

Smith is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility on $400,000 bail.

The criminal charges are mere accusations. The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.