Can a single moment define a life, especially when that moment ends in tragedy? The death of Matthew Hollgarth, a 21-year-old from Decatur, Illinois, under disputed circumstances, ignited a firestorm of debate surrounding self-defense, law enforcement, and the fine line between justice and justifiable homicide. The story of Matthew Hollgarth is not just a local news item; it's a microcosm of larger societal questions about the use of force and the complexities of human behavior under pressure.
The events leading to Hollgarth's death unfolded on a Sunday, December 16, 2012. Hollgarth was pronounced dead at the residence of an Illinois State Conservation Police Officer in the 1300 block of Manor Drive. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the torso. Preliminary reports indicated that Hollgarth had forcibly entered the officer's home, crashing through the front door. The officer, fearing for his and another person's safety (reports indicate it was a woman Hollgarth was allegedly pursuing), fired a single shot. What began as a seemingly ordinary day in Decatur quickly escalated into a life-altering tragedy for all involved.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Hollgarth |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Decatur, Illinois |
| Date of Death | December 16, 2012 |
| Age at Death | 21 years old |
| Father | Frank Hollgarth |
| Mother | Marci (Moore) Hollgarth |
| Son | Lando |
| Occupation | Not specified in provided data |
| Circumstances of Death | Shot by an Illinois State Conservation Police Officer after forcibly entering the officer's home. |
| Legal Ruling | Jury ruled justifiable homicide |
| Reference Link | Find a Grave Memorial |
