The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Man charged in slaying of girlfriend’s father
COLEBROOKDALE » Police have charged a Boyertown man with murder in connection with the brutal beating and shooting death of his girlfriend’s father.
Matthew Boyer, 32, of Boyertown, was arrested Thursday after police were called to the scene of a reported assault early that morning in Colebrookdale.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a residence on the 100 block of Cleaver School Road at approximately 6:48 a.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police did not receive an answer when knocking on the door and found a side entrance open. Police announced themselves and heard a woman screaming upstairs.
Officers noticed blood on the walls and after going upstairs, found the victim, Stephen Kriebel, 58, lying on the floor near a baseball bat. Officers said they saw blood on the walls and could smell gunpowder. Kriebel’s wife, identified as Virginia Kriebel, was nearby crying, police said.
Kriebel told police that she and her husband had been sleeping when a man appeared in their bedroom and started yelling. She said that when Stephen Kriebel got out of bed, the intruder started swinging a baseball bat. At some point, she said she heard a “pop” and when the struggle ended, Virginia Kriebel entered a second bedroom, turned on the light and identified the intruder as their daughter’s boyfriend, Matthew Boyer.
She said that Boyer walked by her and into the bathroom, where he washed his hands. He then left the bathroom, apologized to her and exited the home through the basement door. He drove away in a gray Chevrolet Malibu, according to police.
The vehicle was later located by Boyertown police and a short vehicle pursuit began. Boyer drove to his home and left the vehicle on foot. After a short chase, Boyer was taken into custody. Police said he was observed with blood on his sweatshirt and on his face and ears.
In an interview with police, Boyer said his girlfriend had slept over the night before and that he left his house at around 6:30 a.m. He told her he was going to Walmart and before leaving, he gathered a bag that contained a ski mask, his gun and a knife. He then drove to the victim’s home and attempted to enter through a basement door, but it was locked. He went to the front door and used his girlfriend’s key to unlock the door. Boyer then proceeded upstairs where the altercation ensued, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
During the altercation, Boyer admitted to shooting Kriebel five to six times after hitting him with the bat. He said after leaving, his first thought was to turn himself in to police but he wanted to talk to his girlfriend. When he arrived home, police were already there.
Boyer has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, burglary, possession of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person. He was arraigned on Dec. 28 before District Judge Thomas M. Gauby Sr. and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 3 before District Judge Michael G. Hartman. He was denied bail and is being held at Berks County Prison.
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