Illegal Alien Gets 20 Years for Killing Nashville Restaurateur
An illegal immigrant who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration was sentenced to 20 years for killing Nashville restaurant owner Matthew Carney in a hit-and-run after stealing tools.
Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, a Mexican national who crossed the southern border illegally, received his sentence this week for the June 19, 2024 killing of Matthew Carney, the 42-year-old owner of Smokin Thighs restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, according to Breitbart News.
Raigoza-Martinez had pleaded guilty last week to charges of murder, theft, and tampering with evidence in connection with Carney’s death.
Deadly Confrontation Over Stolen Tools
Police reports indicate that Raigoza-Martinez was driving through the restaurant parking lot when he stopped at a pickup truck to steal tools. The vehicle belonged to Carney, who confronted the illegal alien over the theft.
Following the confrontation, Raigoza-Martinez fled in his vehicle and struck Carney, who became pinned to the hood. When the illegal alien made a turn, Carney was thrown from the vehicle. The restaurant owner succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
DHS Official Condemns Preventable Crime
Lauren Bis of the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement condemning the crime, noting that Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to murder, theft, and tampering with evidence after running over and killing Carney.
Bis emphasized that the criminal illegal alien should never have been in the country to commit the murder. The DHS confirmed it will coordinate with Tennessee state and local partners to ensure Raigoza-Martinez is transferred to ICE custody upon completion of his sentence for removal from the United States.
Remembering Matthew Carney
Carney’s obituary describes him as possessing a joyful spirit, characterized by a loud laugh and a smile that illuminated any room he entered. Friends remembered him as the life of the party, known for his positive attitude, sense of humor, and fierce loyalty to loved ones.
The Nashville restaurateur was happiest spending time outdoors on his boat with friends and family, rock crawling in his side-by-side vehicle, or working in his garage alongside his dog, Mr. Kitty.
Carney is survived by his wife Molly, his parents Clifford Carney and Debra Taylor, his brother Adam Carney, sister Katelin Jeffers, step-brother Donald Hall, step-sister Kim Kuster, grandmother Patricia Carney, and several nieces and nephews.
With information from Breitbart News
