Newark Man Sentenced to Life in Tracy Nyariki Murder

State of DE - A Newark man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal 2024 murder of Tracy Nyariki.

On June 26, 2026, Nobert Matara, 33, was sentenced to life in prison for Murder 1st Degree in New Castle County Superior Court. The sentence follows his guilty plea earlier this year to the December 2024 murder of 33-year-old Tracy Nyariki.

Matara originally pled guilty on April 29, 2026, closing out a lengthy investigation into the killing.
"The diligent work of the New Castle County Police Department and our Department of Justice trial team has brought this heinous criminal to justice, and I am grateful for their dedicated efforts," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "My thoughts are with the victim's family at this difficult time, and I hope this outcome provides them with some degree of peace and closure."

New Castle County Police Chief Col. James J. Leonard III also praised the investigation following the guilty plea.

"I'm thankful for the hard work of our officers and detectives at the New Castle County Police Department, along with everyone at the Delaware Department of Justice, who carefully investigated this horrific incident," said Leonard. "Their commitment to justice and attention to detail were instrumental in securing this plea agreement."

The case stems from a horrific attack in Newark, Delaware. On December 17, 2024, Nobert Matara waited at the home of his ex-girlfriend, Tracy Nyariki. When she arrived a few hours later, he attacked her, stabbing her 58 times, dismembering her, and placing her body in a suitcase.

Matara then fled to Aberdeen, Maryland, where he was found at a motel with Tracy's body in the trunk of his car.