Denver Cardiologist Receives 158-Year Sentence for Serial Rapes: Unveiling a Narcissistic Predator

A Denver cardiologist, Stephen Matthews, has been handed a staggering 158-year prison sentence for a series of appalling crimes. The 36-year-old former doctor was condemned by the sentencing judge as a "narcissistic monster" for his despicable acts against several Colorado women he met through dating apps.

During his sentencing hearing, Judge Eric Johnson did not mince words, directly addressing Matthews and condemning his actions. The judge expressed that the evidence against Matthews was overwhelming and accused him of diminishing the world with his deeds.

Matthews' modus operandi involved luring women to his west Denver townhouse, where he would drug their drinks before sexually assaulting them. Shockingly, Matthews raped eight out of the ten women he targeted between 2019 and 2023, as reported by CBS News.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as the victims and their families reacted to the lengthy prison term with applause. Nearly two dozen individuals, including survivors of Matthews' assaults, delivered poignant victim-impact statements during the hearing.

One of the victims bravely stated, "We are now a powerful army of survivors — and you are nothing," highlighting the resilience and unity that emerged from the traumatic experiences inflicted by Matthews. The sentiment was echoed by others who described him as a "narcissistic monster" and a "serial rapist."

Matthews was convicted by a jury in August for the abhorrent crimes he committed against the women he met on dating platforms like Hinge and Tinder. Many of the victims recounted fragmented memories of the incidents, with some waking up undressed in his bed, indicating the extent of his manipulation and abuse.

According to testimonies, Matthews would gaslight his victims, coercing them into believing that they were responsible for the assaults by insinuating that they had consumed excessive alcohol or lacked control. The psychological impact of his actions left the women grappling with anxiety, depression, paranoia, and other lasting effects.

One victim directly addressed Matthews, stating, "You drugged me and raped me and manipulated me into thinking it was my fault," shedding light on the insidious tactics employed by the perpetrator to evade accountability.

The victims' families also had their say in court, with one mother condemning Matthews for imposing a lifelong sentence of trauma on the women and their loved ones. The profound impact of his crimes reverberated through the courtroom, underscoring the devastation caused by his actions.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Matthews chose to remain silent during his sentencing, prompting accusations from his victims that he lacked remorse for his reprehensible behavior. His lawyer, Douglas Cohen, indicated that Matthews intends to appeal the judge's decision, keeping the legal battle ongoing.

While Matthews' parents pleaded for leniency, describing him as a narcissistic alcoholic capable of rehabilitation, the prosecutor, Victoria Kelley, expressed certainty that there are potentially numerous other victims yet to come forward. The judge and the district attorney emphasized their belief in the victims and the importance of their courage in seeking justice.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann condemned Matthews' actions as despicable and expressed hope that the substantial sentence would offer some solace to all the victims who bravely stepped forward. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators of such heinous crimes accountable and standing in solidarity with survivors of abuse.