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Published on February 04, 2025
Cincinnati Man Charged with Felony Murder in Commerce Township Businessman's DeathSource: Wikipedia/Quince Media, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An additional suspect has been caught in the web of justice in relation to the murder of Sam Simko, a Commerce Township businessman. Christopher Matacia, a 33-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, faces a roster of charges including felony murder, as announced by Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. CBS News Detroit first reported that Matacia was additionally charged with armed robbery, two counts of felony firearm, and firearm-possession by a prohibited person.

Simko's tragic end came early this year on January 13, when a group's plot spiraled into violence at his Pontiac marijuana business. The evidence points to a meticulously planned heist that ended the businessman’s life. Matacia, alongside three other Cincinnati residents, now stands accused in this cold-blooded act. McDonald readily stated, "The evidence suggests Sam Simko's murder was the result of a well-coordinated and cold-blooded robbery of his business," according to the official press release from Oakland County. Their commitment to justice is echoed in McDonald's affirmation: "Everyone involved in the senseless murder of Sam Simko will be brought to justice because Oakland County is, and must remain, a safe place to do business."

Under Michigan law, the gravity of these charges is clear- felony murder carries an inexorable sentence of life without the possibility of parole, and the criminal weight stacks as armed robbery could lead to a life term in prison. Matacia could face an additional two-year hard time for felony firearm, which is mandatory to be served consecutively to the other charges, and if convicted of firearm-possession by a prohibited person, up to five years could be added to his sentence, as reported by CBS News Detroit.

While the charges set the stage for a tough legal battle, the prosecutor's office is determined to seek Matacia's conviction. However, it's important to remember that charges are only accusations, and the presumption of innocence remains until proven otherwise.