Illinois Man Avoids Murder Charge in Shooting That Killed Pregnant Mother and Left 4-Year-Old Daughter Without an Eye
DECATUR, ILLINOIS — An Illinois man accused of taking part in a deadly 2023 shooting that killed a pregnant woman and severely injured her young daughter has avoided a murder conviction after accepting a controversial plea deal.
21-year-old Mattavius Anderson was initially charged with murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in the death of 20-year-old Ja’Niah Thomas — but all nine charges were dropped as part of the agreement. Anderson instead pleaded guilty to a single count of residential burglary and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to court records.
Pregnant Mother Killed, Daughter Lost Eye in Shooting
The shooting occurred in March 2023 inside a home on North Woodford Street in Macon County, where Thomas was visiting her boyfriend. She was 26 weeks pregnant at the time.
According to prosecutors, Anderson, his brother Mattarion Anderson, and another man, Tarlan Mackey, went to the home following a dispute over Snapchat with someone who lived there. When they arrived, they allegedly opened fire on the residence.
Thomas, who was sitting on the couch with her children, was hit by stray bullets. Her 4-year-old daughter was shot in the face, losing her right eye. Thomas’ unborn child also died from the injuries she sustained.
A family-run GoFundMe later described the tragedy:
“She was an innocent bystander, sitting peacefully on the couch when she was struck by stray bullets. At the time of her demise, her precious 4-year-old daughter was shot in the eye.”
Thomas’ 2-year-old son, who was also in the room, was unharmed.
Family and Prosecutors Shocked by Plea Deal
The plea agreement — which dropped all nine major charges, including first-degree murder — has sparked outrage among community members and family.
Anderson’s brother, Mattarion, who chose to stand trial earlier this year, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. A third suspect, Mackey, pleaded guilty to residential burglary and received 10 years.
Court documents reviewed by WCIA show that Mattavius waived his right to a jury trial in September and was set for a bench trial before Judge Thomas Griffith. Instead, he accepted the plea, effectively ending the murder prosecution.
Family Remembers Ja’Niah Thomas
Thomas was remembered by loved ones as a joyful Decatur native who “loved to sing, laugh, dance, and spend time with her children and family.” She worked as a forklift operator and took pride in motherhood, her obituary said.
“She didn’t take pride in anything more than being a mother,” her cousin told WCIA.
Thomas’ unborn child was named Ja’Nylah Brielle Thomas, and both mother and baby were laid to rest together.
Do you believe plea deals like this deliver justice for victims’ families — or let violent offenders off too easily? Share your thoughts and follow more Illinois crime updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.