Rickner sentenced for matricide and related felonies

Convicted murderer Matthew Earl Rickner, 30, was sentenced a total of 60 years, six months for matricide, the shooting of Phyllis Rickner, his mother, last December 29.

Rickner was given the maximum sentence of 40 years to Life for Count 1, violation of Penal Code 187 by Superior Court Judge Darren McElfresh. The judge further ordered an enhancement of additional 20 years plus six months on several related felonies. All sentences will run consecutively.

The mood in Dept. 1 was tense and agitated as Victim statements were delivered by family members. The Rickner Family urged the judge to pronounce the maximum sentence on the murderer. Assistant District Attorney Todd Zocchi called Rickner a “danger to society” and remorseless after being convicted of shooting his mother four times, once in the back her head.

Del Norte Probation Officer Kory Rosenstratter, who also labeled Rickner remorseless and highly manipulative told The court Rickner intended to also+ shoot his uncle Ken Rickner.

Emotions ran high as the family shared its grief and devastation perpetrated by Rickner.

Public Defender and soon-to-be Superior Court Judge, represented Rickner, argued for a maximum sentence of 45 years to Life, citing mental health issues. Judge McElfresh denied the more lenient sentence, citing no previous mitigation reports of mental health issues.

Rickner was credited with 199 days in Del Norte custody, on his adjudicated sentence.