Family Remembers Local Man Slain in Armed Robbery as Killer is Sentenced

After losing her mother to sickness, a young girl with Down syndrome is now separated from her family and institutionalized into a group home after suffering the loss of her last close relative, Matthew Glassford. On May 11, Terry Blunt awaited his final sentencing after murdering 48-year-old Glassford in an armed robbery. The victim’s mother and other family members sat on the courtroom benches waiting to hear what would be the outcome to losing their son to gun violence.

According to Glassford’s mother, Matthew was a father to two stepchildren, including the young girl with Down syndrome. Glassford’s mother, Donna Glassford, took the children in after Matthew’s death. Donna Glassford says that Matthew’s death has impacted his sickly daughter for the worst. Donna Glassford says that she has experienced weight gain, and her negative reactions to his death left Donna no choice but to put her in the appropriate care of a group home.

Blunt was one of three people charged in Glassford’s murder. Blunt pleaded guilty to this charge back in December of 2014. The other two individuals charged in this case were Corren Mattox and Davontay Ballinger, both close friends of Blunt.

Blunt is a repeat offender. He was convicted of armed robbery in 2010.  In this case, he was charged with felony murder while attempting to commit an armed robbery. Judge Thomas J. McAdams sentenced Blunt to 18 years of initial prison time with 12 years of extended supervision, a total of 30 years.

Blunt had been involved in dangerous activity starting at a young age. Blunt had affiliation with a gang called the “Gangster Disciples,” ever since the age of 11.

According to the court, there is history of him getting kicked out of school for fighting and rioting.

”There’s nothing anyone can do to fix it,” says Donna Glassford, mother of the victim. “Losing life the way Matt did through violence is different. He didn’t have loved ones by his side comforting him. No kindness, just violence.”

Glassford has other family, including a brother who didn’t attend the final sentencing.

“He gets angry when thinking about Matt getting killed,” says Donna Glassford. “He doesn’t want the images of those three men imprinted in his brain.”

The homicide happened after the men decided they wanted some money. Blunt knew that “Matt” occasionally bought pills from Blunt’s father, so he knew he would have money on him.

According to police, Glassford was dropping off diapers to a child at a home. He came outside to wait for his ride, where Blunt, Mattox and Ballinger then approached him, authorities say.

Police say Blunt and Mattox approached Glassford demanding money and when “Matt” tried running back into the house, he was then shot twice by Blunt. Ballinger was serving as a lookout.

After he was shot, the three men fled the scene, authorities said.

“This is somewhat cowardice and callous that this happened over a small amount of money,” said the prosecutor, Antoni Joseph Apollo.

There was some question on who actually pulled the trigger. When investigators talked to Blunt, he blamed the shooting on Mattox. Blunt says that he actually agreed to serve as the lookout.

According to the court, Mattox admitted to shooting Glassford, but then retracted his statement when he took the stand and said that he never made those statements and only saw Blunt shoot Glassford.

There was some question as to whether or not Blunt’s competency and mental state was a factor in the crime. The previous judge found him competent enough to proceed.

Apollo says that his lack of education doesn’t allow Blunt to be a productive member of our community and that the best place for him right now to suit his needs is in the prison system.

Apollo doesn’t think that a maximum sentencing would be required in Blunt’s case. He proposed a total of 30 years, which is what the judge agreed to.

Blunt and his attorney, Kerri Terann Cleghorn proposed seven years of initial prison time and seven years of extended supervision.

Cleghorn insists that rehabilitation is an important issue for Blunt.

“The system needs to find a way to teach him not to engage in this behavior, or someone else will get killed,” says Cleghorn.

Cleghorn says that her client was involved as a lookout at most. After she made this statement, the Glassford family was disturbed and filled the benches with their emotional commentary and shouted out expletives.

Cleghorn agrees that he needs to spend time in the prison system and deserves to be punished for his level of involvement.

Blunt was remorseful and said he recognized how his choices affected Glassford’s family and feels guilty.

“I would like to ask for forgiveness to those who my poor choices have affected,” says Blunt during the sentencing. “I would exchange my life to have him here.”

Blunt says that he would like to finish school and get his GED. He said he is focused on surrounding himself with positive people when he gets out. He says he has been taking steps to better himself. He has taken part in Bible studies and has certificates of his progress.

“I don’t want to end up dead or in prison the rest of my life,” says Blunt. “I want to show the community that I can do right.”

Blunt says he had good parents who always motivated him to do well in school and hang around positive people. Blunt says that maybe experiencing the prison life will help him change.

The judge stated many factors that led to his final sentencing. Judge Thomas McAdams says his previous conviction, undesirable behavior pattern, educational restrictions, personality, character and a negative pre-sentencing investigation were all factors in his decision.

“Glassford was essentially killed for nothing,” says McAdams. “I want to send a message to others in the community that there will be consequences to this kind of behavior.”

Judge McAdams said he recognizes that gun violence is a serious issue in the city of Milwaukee.

“I’m really sorry about the loss of Matthew Glassford,” says Blunt. “God so help me. I want to change. I really do.”