Rocheport man sentenced to 15 years in prison for 2024 manslaughter case

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Rocheport man who was found guilty of manslaughter last month was sentenced to 15 years in the Department of Corrections on Monday.

Matthew Shilling was found guilty on May 14 of second-degree involuntary manslaughter, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of second-degree assault and misdemeanor driving while revoked. He will also serve an additional year in the Boone County Jail for the misdemeanor charge.

He was originally charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter, two counts of armed criminal action, one count of second-degree assault and a count of driving while suspended.

Shilling is accused of causing a crash that killed Christina Mayfield, 32, on Feb. 2, 2024, on Business Loop 70 near Hathman Place.

Court documents in previous reporting say a motorcycle was rear-ended by Shilling's SUV, sending it forward into another SUV and throwing the rider and Mayfield from the bike. 

Shilling and the family had reached a settlement last year, according to previous reporting.

The state had asked for the maximum of 15 years, while the defense asked for a three-year sentence. The defense had also asked for a new trial on Monday, but the motion was denied.

Six impact statements were read from the victim’s mother Brenda Proctor, husband Matthew Mayfield, son and daughter Isabella and Jackson Mayfield, her grandmother Lou Proctor and her uncle Thomas Proctor.

Matthew Mayfield said during his statement that his back and ankle have permanent injuries, prohibiting him from working and will likely need hip replacements.

Shilling was also denied a motion for an appeal.

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