Alleged serial killer gets life for 2 deaths

6/19/2008

MASON, Mich. - A suspected serial killer smiled and proclaimed his innocence yesterday before being sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole in the violent killings of two women last year.

Matthew Macon was convicted of first-degree murder last month in the deaths of Sandra Eichorn, 64, and Karen Delgado-Yates, 41. Ms. Eichorn was stabbed 30 times. Ms. Delgado-Yates was tortured and bludgeoned to death with a toilet tank lid.

Macon, 28, also was sentenced for assault with intent to commit murder in an attack on Linda Chapel Jackson, 56, along with counts of torture and home invasion.

Investigators also suspect Macon in the deaths of five other Lansing women, although he has not been charged in those cases. Victims' family members pleaded with Macon to admit to the crimes to bring them closure.

The jury took only two hours to convict Macon after the prosecution presented what they called "overwhelming" DNA evidence at last month's brief trial.

When allowed to speak, Macon said he was framed.

"I'm innocent. I never did these crimes," Macon said. "I'm sorry for y'all's families, but I never did it."

Victims' relatives expressed shock at Macon's demeanor. He grinned while being led into the courtroom and while making his remarks. Macon plans to file an appeal.