US man who yelled racial slurs and spat on his black neighbor is sentenced to eight years in prison after video of abusive rant went viral

In a landmark decision, 47-year-old Edward Mathews of New Jersey has been sentenced to eight years in prison after a shocking video capturing his racially charged tirade against his black neighbors went viral in July 2021. The sentencing, which occurred on Friday, included charges of four counts of bias intimidation and a drug-related offense.

The incident unfolded when Mathews, a white man, was caught on camera yelling racial slurs and spitting on his black neighbors, an act that quickly spread across social media platforms.

The video not only exposed Mathews’ abhorrent behavior but also shed light on a pattern of terror inflicted upon his black neighbors, including vile name-calling, despicable acts such as putting feces on their property, sending threatening emails, and even shooting BB pellets at their cars.

The courtroom drama reached its peak as Mathews, now a convicted felon, sobbed while offering a tearful apology for the trauma he inflicted upon his victims. The eight-year sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, sending a powerful message that such racially motivated attacks will not be tolerated.

This high-profile case underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even in the face of bigotry. As the story of Edward Mathews unfolds, it stands as a testament to the resilience of communities against hate and the triumph of justice in the pursuit of a safer, more inclusive society.