Tragedy in Montville: Son Sentenced for Mother's Murder

It's a story that truly just rips at your heartstrings, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence within a family. Matthew V. Paris, the 24-year-old man who admitted to taking his own mother's life, has now received his sentence: 30 years behind bars for the murder of Renee Paris.

The sentencing, which took place on a recent Friday before Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Taylor, marks a somber conclusion to a deeply tragic chapter for the Montville Township community and, of course, for the family involved. It's a heavy sentence, and for good reason, as it reflects the gravity of the crime. Under New Jersey's No Early Release Act, Paris will be required to serve a significant portion – 85% – of that 30-year term before he even becomes eligible for parole. Think about that for a moment: that's a long, long time.

Back in April of 2021, the community was rocked by the news. Authorities responded to a call at the Paris family home on Point View Place in Montville Township, only to discover Renee Paris, aged 59, deceased. An investigation quickly pointed to her son, Matthew, who was subsequently charged with her murder. It's truly difficult to fathom the circumstances that lead to such an unthinkable act.

Paris later pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder charge, a move that often comes as part of a plea agreement to avoid a trial, though it certainly doesn't lessen the severity of his actions. In addition to the murder sentence, he also received a concurrent 10-year prison term for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. It highlights the disturbing details surrounding the event, doesn't it?

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, alongside Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker and Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, were the ones who announced the sentencing. Their involvement underscores the collective effort by law enforcement to bring some measure of justice, however painful, to such a devastating situation. While no sentence can ever truly heal the wounds left by such a loss, it does represent the legal system's response to an unspeakable act.