A man convicted of attempting to kill a woman on a walking trail at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park has been sentenced to 22 years in prison, following a violent stabbing attack that prosecutors say was interrupted by bystanders and emergency responders.
Nicholas Fitzgerald Matthew, 29, was found guilty in August 2024 of attempted first-degree murder for the February 2024 incident. His sentencing was delayed multiple times due in part to questions about his mental competency.
The sentence, handed down on Friday, falls at the high end of Washington state’s standard range of 17 to 22 years.
Incident
The attack occurred on February 10, 2024, shortly before 1 p.m. on the park’s Blue Trail in Tacoma. According to trial testimony, the victim, local architect Victoria Nizzoli, had been walking alone for several minutes when she noticed footsteps behind her.
She encountered Matthew on the trail, and after a brief exchange, he allegedly struck her from behind and then repeatedly stabbed and struck her with a knife.
Prosecutors said the attack appeared sudden and unprovoked, occurring in a public park during daylight hours.
Rescue
The assault was interrupted when nearby park visitors heard Nizzoli’s screams and ran toward the scene. A couple walking their dog, Julianna and John Vanenk, arrived and found Matthew still attacking the victim.
The couple attempted to intervene verbally, and when that did not stop the assault, Julianna Vanenk physically kicked Matthew in the head to end the attack.
An active-duty service member, Rebecca Honeycutt, provided first aid until emergency responders arrived. Prosecutors later stated that quick action by bystanders and medics played a significant role in keeping Nizzoli alive.
Victim impact
Nizzoli did not attend the sentencing hearing. In a written victim-impact statement, she described ongoing physical and emotional consequences from the attack, including lasting injuries, trauma, and long-term changes to her daily life.
She told the court she supported the maximum sentence but emphasized that no prison term could restore what she had lost, including her sense of safety and physical well-being.
Despite her injuries, she credited her survival to the people who intervened during the attack and emergency responders who provided immediate care.
Sentence
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Andrews imposed a 22-year prison sentence, citing the severity and nature of the attack, which she described as a violent and unprovoked assault on a stranger in a public space.
The judge noted the evidence presented at trial was strong and rejected arguments that the defendant’s mental health status diminished his responsibility in a way that would justify a reduced sentence.
Defense arguments
Defense attorneys argued for a lower sentence, citing the defendant’s mental health history, including diagnoses of schizoaffective disorder and other psychotic conditions documented through Veterans Affairs medical records.
They also referenced competency evaluations and treatment history, stating that his condition affected judgment at the time of the offense.
However, prosecutors countered that his actions during and after the attack, including fleeing the state and attempting to leave the country, supported a full sentence within the standard range.
Competency findings
Questions about Matthew’s mental competency surfaced repeatedly during proceedings. While the defendant claimed he experienced hallucinations and symptoms affecting his understanding of the case, court-appointed evaluations and independent reviews found him competent to proceed.
The judge ultimately ruled that the sentencing would move forward as scheduled.
Court findings
During sentencing, the court emphasized the deliberate nature of the attack and the fact that it occurred in a public park during daytime hours.
The judge also referenced evidence that the defendant told the victim he intended to kill her during the assault, and noted the seriousness of the injuries inflicted.
Community response
The case drew attention in Tacoma after bystanders were later recognized for their actions during the attack. The Tacoma Police Department awarded medals of courage to individuals who intervened, including the Vanenk couple and Honeycutt.
Residents and witnesses described shock at the randomness and severity of the violence, as well as appreciation for the rapid response that prevented a fatal outcome.
The sentencing of Nicholas Fitzgerald Matthew closes a major chapter in a case that began with a sudden daylight attack on a walking trail and ended with a lengthy prison term. While the court imposed the maximum standard sentence, the victim and her supporters emphasized that the physical and emotional impact of the assault will extend far beyond the courtroom.
FAQs
What was the sentence?
22 years in prison.
Where did the attack happen?
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.
Who was the victim?
A woman named Victoria Nizzoli.
Was the attack random?
Prosecutors described it as a sudden public attack.
Who stopped the attack?
Bystanders intervened and helped save the victim.
