Oregon Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Killing His Mother During Extreme Emotional Disturbance

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A 30-year-old Phoenix man who strangled and stabbed his mother to death has received a 10-year prison sentence for manslaughter. On his release, he will be under three-year post-prison supervision.

Matthew Brian Winder (30) pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the death of his mother, Cheryl Lynn Sellers (59), following an argument about him looking for a job. The incident occurred on May 12, 2013, at her home at 610 North Main Street, Phoenix, where Winder lived with his mother.

Matthew Winder Strangled and Then Stabbed His Mother

The Jackson County District Attorney’s (JCDA) office said that Winder strangled and then stabbed his mother before leaving the house with his child. He then called his wife and then 911 to report the killing. Winder returned to the house and was arrested by police.

Winder’s defense attorney invoked Extreme Emotional Disturbance (EED) in terms of Oregon law that can be used to defend second-degree murder.

The JCDA explains that this form of defense can be used ‘if a homicide is committed under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance.’ There must also be a reasonable explanation to substantiate the claim.

When a defense is based on EED, the defendant and the state can present forensic evaluation evidence from psychiatrists or psychologists. If EED is proved at trial, the defendant can be found guilty of manslaughter in the first degree and not murder in the second degree, as happened in Winder’s case.

During forensic evaluations, Winder provided a detailed history of his tumultuous and abusive relationship with his mother that ultimately led to her death in May 2023, according to the JCDA.

The JCDA says expert evaluators who interviewed Winder concluded that his was ‘a compelling case for extreme emotional disturbance.’

Winder expressed remorse for his actions at the trial.