Matthew Snider sentenced to 7 years in juvenile facility for residential burglary

On January 9, 2018 Superior Court Judge Feeney sentenced 17-year-old Matthew Snider to 7 years in a Juvenile Justice facility for the crime of residential burglary (Penal Code

§459 – 460(a)) while in possession of a firearm (Penal Code §12022(a)(1)).  Judge Feeney determined Snider’s sentence because Judge Hinrichs concluded that Snider should be

tried as an adult following a hearing in June 2017. 

         

   

The conviction stems from Snider’s actions in November 2016.  On November 20, Eureka Police Officer Bise responded to a burglary call in the 1500 block of L Street in Eureka

and found the residence ransacked.  Security footage showed four subjects approaching the residence. Subsequent investigation revealed one subject entered the residence

through a bathroom skylight. Multiple personal items were stolen during the burglary, including jewelry. 

               

On November 26, Eureka Police Officer Southwell responded to a burglary alarm at the same address.  Officer Southwell received back-up from additional officers from the Eureka Police Department  and a K9 (police dog) Unit from the Fortuna Police Department.  The K9 found Snider hiding in a dryer.  Snider was wearing jewelry stolen from the residence on November 20.  

Officers observed  a pile of personal belongings stacked by the front door of the residence; the security alarm had been ripped off the wall and disconnected.  Access to the residence had been gained by breaking a sliding glass door. 

             
Later inspection of surveillance footage revealed Snider exiting the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the driveway, then walking to the back of the residence holding a firearm at his side.  The homeowner later located the loaded firearm that Snider brought into the residence under some clothes in a laundry basket.