IMPACT STATEMENTS

Matt Carrington I was born to be a Mother I don’t remember a time in my life growing up when I didn’t want to have children. I tried for years before I found out that I would have to be artificially inseminated in order to have Matt. When preparing for my first insemination I had been advised not to get to excited because it rarely took on the first try. But I was one of the lucky ones or so I thought, less than three weeks after my first insemination I discovered I was pregnant. I was overjoyed but it only lasted a short time and by the time I was eight weeks I had lost the baby. After a miscarriage, bouts with depression and several more...

Matt Carrington Our son Matt was tragically taken from us last February 2, 2005. His brother, his mother and myself will never be the same our lives were forever changed that morning because of an incredibly stupid and heinous act done to him by his so-called brothers to be. I know one thing for sure with brothers like that he would have been better off with strangers – they would have helped him in his time of need. I would like to tell everyone a little about a gift to this world name Matt that truly made everyone around him a better person. I met Matt when he was about 2 years old he had the biggest brown eyes and most precious face I...

Matt Carrington My name is Travis Smith Matt was my Brother; Matt was the best brother a kid could ask for. Matt was the best influence on me; he taught me how to ride a bike and to ride roller blades. Whenever we played sports with all of the kids from the neighborhood, he would always help me out even if I was on the other team. I was always the youngest out of the gang and whenever we played baseball I was always better then everybody except for this one guy Mike and Matt. And not everyone liked a 6 or 7 year old kid being better then them when your 11 or 12. So some of the kids would get a little flustered but only like 1 or 2 but Matt...

We loved Matt very much and the loss to us and all who knew him is felt very deeply. He was such a good person, very caring and thoughtful of other people. Perhaps that is why this terrible and senseless thing happened to him. He trusted people and I’m sure he never thought they would be so cruel and heartless. A day does not go by without thinking of him. He had a good future all planned out.  We are so thankful we seen him at Christmas. As usual he had a big smile and a hug when he came in the house. Pop had a chance to visit with him and so glad he did. Pop said how he had grown up and how proud of him he was. The last thing I said to...

Debbie, I'm sorry this is so late. I've been traveling. I wanted to be sure you received this in time for the court hearing on Friday. I don't have access to my pc so have to send via my blackberry. I would like to convey to the judge, as he is deciding on the sentencing, what a great loss this has been for all of us.  Matthew was one of the finest young men I have met. He was caring and considerate. He was polite and giving. He was respectful and appreciative. He was focused and determined. He was driven and goal oriented. He had all the attributes of a leader.  He was special and qualities like Matt's are hard to find these days. I know...

Carolyn Castro (Auntie Carol) When someone asks you to describe what a person meant to you, it is such a large topic in the case of "Matt". It began when he was just a little guy (1 1/2 years.  He was a Cutie pie.  Always very well behaved, a pleasure to have around.  I watched him grow into a fine young man until one day a tragic incident took his life and all that he had to look forward to in this world.  Never in a million would I think that Matt would leave us in this world in such a painful and senseless way. Anyone that knew Matt would tell you what a fun loving, happy go lucky young man that he was all of his life.  He always made me...

Your Name: Peggy SetencichVictim's Name: Matthew CarringtonDefendant's Name:Court Case Number:Sentencing Date: I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have to be writing this. I cannot believe my nephew Matt Carrington is gone. I think about him every day. I remember the day he was born and thinking what a wonderful blessing he was. As he grew older I saw him grow into a fine young man. He was very sweet, caring, generous and a pleasure to be around. He had his whole life ahead of him and it was senselessly cut short by these terrible acts of violence. They were all negligent.--something should have been done and could have been...

Matt Carrington I was at work when I received the call from Debbie that Matt had been rushed to emergency, she was hysterical, and had no other information. I had to e-mail people in order to leave, look up the address of “Enloe” the only information Debbie had, and get driving directions. I also had to call my sister Angie to let her know. Angie had waited months to get her daughter in to see a specialist so she was going to drive up later. We were sure at that time that it was going to be one of those long emergency room waits, never considering that it could be worse. It wasn’t long after I got on the road I received a second call from...

Marco Castro (Uncle) I met little Matt when he was only 1 1/2 years old.  He was always smiling! What a cute little face.  I went to Yosemite every year for 15 years along with Matt and the family.  Camping at Lake Mc Swain, Santa Cruz . Yes he was always with us.  He was a part of our family.  I became "uncle Marco" and my wife was "auntie Carol". We watched him grow up, always very respectful and caring.  Very focused, a serious student but best of all a very fine human being. He had so much to give, and to contribute to this world.  What a senseless crime. Yes, we will miss him forever.  We are now forced to go through our lives with...

Matt Carrington Hero. I don’t think I could find a more appropriate word to describe my friend Matt. Although it may seem like a short time, the five years I knew Matt was all it took to discover a friendship I had hoped would last forever. Soon, there were five of us in a circle of friends that eventually went by the name of The Century 5, taken after our place of work where most of us had met for the first time. Out of the five within the group, I think Matt always remained the most open minded, down to earth, and inviting to anyone he came into contact with. Through long days at work, road trips, countless hours at Denny’s and in front...

IMPACT STATEMENT Your Name: Bill VahlVictim's Name: Matt CarringtonDefendant's Name:Court Case Number:Sentencing Date: My name is Bill Vahl and I’d like to tell you that I knew Matt just about his entire life. Matt was a wonderful kid and grew up to be an even better young adult. He was a great friend to many people. He was kind, loving, and a very giving person. I was crushed the morning of February 2 nd as events unfolded. How in the world could this tragedy happen! It is unbelievable that in this age – such barbaric events are allowed to go on! My wife went to Chico State, my oldest daughter graduated from Chico State. That’s how Matt...

IMPACT STATEMENT Your Name: Bobbie VahlVictim's Name: Matt CarringtonDefendant's Name:Court Case Number:Sentencing Date: Greg and Debbie Smith are my best friends. Even though we are not blood relatives they along with Matt and Travis are definitely a part of my family. Our families are very close. We celebrate holidays together and go on vacations together and are there for each other just like most families are. I loved Matt and his death has overwhelmed me - such a senseless waste of life – that never should have happened!!!! Losing Matt has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. His death feels like a horrible...

Matthew Carrington My mother called my godmother on the morning of February 2 nd, 2005, trying to get a hold of me. As soon as I realized what time it was, I knew something was weird. My mom knows that I’m not a morning person and for her to call me at about 8am, although not unusual, telling my godmother that she absolutely HAD to talk to me. I was still very much mentally asleep. I got on the phone with my mom and she was very hysterical sounding. In fact, I had never heard her sound as emotional as she did that day. My cousin Matt died that morning. I actually went back to sleep praying inside that it was a dream. I realized that I was...

Matt’s death has had a huge impact on many people, his family and his friends. I remember that horrible day just like yesterday. I woke up that morning not feeling that well so I decided to stay home from school. As my parents were leaving the house they told me that Matt was in an accident, they didn't know what had happened exactly just that it was really bad and my aunt and uncle were on their way up to Chico . I remember thinking that everything would be ok, Matt would be fine and my parents were just over exaggerating whatever kind of accident he was in. About 20 minutes later, my dad called me and told me Matt didn't make it and to be...

Matt Carrington Matt was my cousin. We are related through my father and his cousin Greg. All through my life matt has been around. He has played Frisbee, rode bikes, rafted, rocked, fished, and played sports with me in my life. We would always go up to Yosemite and camp for a while. He would always be there with the rest of the group. I was a little younger than he was so I didn’t get to spend time with him as much as I thought; I usually played with his younger brother Travis. There were times as I got older, that we would play Frisbee at dusk, Uncle Greg would put a glow stick on the bottom to make it easier to see in the dark. This was...

Your Honor: From the first time we met Matthew, as a small child, the thing that most stands out was that smile; that big, broad, bright smile that could light up any room anywhere. It was his mom’s smile. It was contagious. You couldn’t help but feel the warmth when Matt was in the room. It’s no wonder all our kids followed Matt around, looking up to him, wanting to be like him. Matt was special. Matt was Matt. Matt made everyone feel warm, comfortable and at ease, and made us all laugh. Matt had “it”; something that you can’t create, you just have. To know him, was to love him. Matt was such a beautiful man/son/brother/friend. He was...

Matt Carrington My name is Kathryn Martinsen, and I’m Tom’s wife. I saw Matt grow up from a neat kid to a wonderful young man. I think what impressed me most about Matt, as an independent adult was that he returned so eagerly and so often to participate in family activities. He was not a disaffected youth, alienated from his family. He was a healthy young person, excited about his new college life and happy to share it with his family. I hope his family can finally achieve some peace of mind by it being proven in court that his death was senseless and cruel, robbing all of us of a wonderful person.

Date: October 26, 2005 Victim’s Name: Matthew Carrington To: Judge Stephen Benson This letter is to let you know how deeply affected our whole family is with the loss of Matthew Carrington. We knew Matt through our children’s baseball association. He was the big brother to our son’s friend and teammate. Matt was always there not only for his family and brother, but the whole team and league. Every day we think of Matt and miss him dearly! His smile and infectious personality was such a positive influence for us all. To be concise, our favorite Matt story goes as follows: Each year every baseball team needs to provide an umpire for the...

IMPACT STATEMENT Your name: Kristi VahlVictims name: Matt Carrington When I think about everything that has happened, it feels so overwhelming. I intentionally push all the feelings aside on a regular basis so that I can move on with my life, but Matt is always in my mind. And then as I sit here and start to think about it all, it hits so hard, the fact that Matt can’t go on with his life. The fact that he was misled and betrayed by his supposed “brothers” makes me feel physically sick to my stomach. It gives me an unsettling feeling that is incredibly hard to feel and to try to deal with. Matt has always been family to me. Our parents have...

After thoughtful reflection of the events of February 2, 2005, I feel compelled to write to you concerning the death of Matt Carrington. This tragedy should never have taken place. As a mother of three boys, two of which are roughly the same age as Matt, I can only imagine the pain that Debbie, Greg, and Travis felt upon hearing of this senseless crime. Matt’s “brothers” left him in a cold, dirty basement to die. This irresponsible behavior can not be excused as a prank, to do so would be a total miscarriage of justice. The message sent to subsequent “hazers” must be clear. Hazing is criminal. I firmly believe that only with strict...

On the morning of February 2, 2005 my family’s life was shattered. I received a phone message from our cousin Carol that there had been a tragedy in the family and to call her back right away. It was obvious something horrible had happened. I called her back and ended up speaking to her husband Marco. Marco told me that Matt had been found dead in his bed in Chico. I couldn’t believe it. I asked Marco for more information but he was so upset he couldn’t speak on the phone any longer. What could have happened? Matt wasn’t one to drink or smoke or do drugs so what could have caused him to die in his bed. All I could think of was his family,...

DATE: October 23, 2005TO: Superior Court JudgeButte County Courthouse -FROM: Miriam T. A. Stange RE: HAZING DEATH OF MATTHEW CARRINGTON I write to express my sadness to the Court, as well as the family and friends of Matthew and ask this Court to take right action so that the young men that chose to deliberately take the life of Man will be held accountable for disrespectful acts of violence. As well, I feel sorrow for our community, the world, especially Matt’s Mom. He was an important, viable young man that I too felt pride and was eager to watch his progress in higher education and ultimate accomplishments for his fellow man, Children in...

Hi Debbie~ I'm sorry this is long in coming, I've been incredibly busy at school.  They don't give you much down time.  I hope you get this in time to present to the judge.  I'm also sorry I can't be there on Friday.  Unfortunately I have classes all day long until 5pm , but my thoughts and my prayers will be with all of you.  I never stop thinking about you guys and Matt and I hope I'll be able to see you again soon.  My Statement You can't really fit who Matt was into paper.  You can't sum a life into words without cheapening it at least a little bit.  No matter how hard you try or how eloquent the author something will always be...

October 26, 2005 For you Matt: For those of us who are parents, all we want is what is best for our kids. We rear them to be the best they can be. It is our job as parents to protect them, teach them right from wrong, and to keep them from danger and harm. Matt was a wonderful person and a very kind boy. He was the product of a very loving environment and much more. Although I have known Matt since he was a little baby, I remember him most as an instrumental part of the family campouts that we used to have at Lake Mc Swain and Lake Berryessa. He would always be the center of attention with the other kids, usually the younger children,...

To the Honorable Judge presiding over The Matthew Carrington case. I never personally met Matt, but the impact that his death has caused on his family and friends has been devastation. The love for a mother to her children is a love that goes deeper than words can say. To lose a child under horrific circumstances is beyond anything I can fathom. When I first met Greg, Debbie and Travis, they were a jovial, spirited, rambunctious family that you were just immediately drawn too. Greg (with his infectious smile and laugh), Debbie (with her loving and open personality) and Travis (with his shy smile and tremendous love for family, friends and...

Matt Carrington Hello to who ever is reading this. I just wanted to say that Matt will be sorely missed in the Sherman Acre neighborhood where he grew up in Pleasant Hill, and I am one of the people who will be missing him. He grew up in this neighborhood with my two boys and probably another half a dozen boys and they would play football and basketball in my front yard and they truly had grand times. One of the things that made them have so much fun was Matt, his ability to make sure the teams were as fair as they could be, maybe making a change that made the teams even, therefore making the game move smoother and I use to witness this...

10/26/2005 To whom it may concern and may it please the court. My name is Thomas Ruble. I am a Stationary Engineer and have been working at Children's Hospital Oakland for the last four years. My sister Bobbie Vahl and her husband Bill Vahl have best Friends with Matthew Carrington’s mother Debbie Smith and his step father Greg Smith for decades. I first met Greg when my sister and her husband were dating in high school. Greg and Bill were best friends back then. I was present at Greg and Debbie’s wedding and remember what a handsome young boy Matt was at that time. Over the last twenty or so years it has been my pleasure to be included at...

Matt Carrington Death is like the lottery, except you are automatically entered to win, and you have no idea when you are going to win. For most, this is not something you want to win, but you have no control over who wins, and when, or that should be the case. When people behave stupidly and make people do dangerous things, it can change the whole game. When Matt died, I received a call from my Mom saying what had happened, but she didn’t know how it had happened. Then I realized that death was real, and not just for people on the news or your Great-Grandma you never met. No one is going to see Matt in the physical form ever again. His...