Fort Wayne man sentenced to life without parole in dismemberment case

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - A Fort Wayne man was sentenced to life without parole Monday afternoon for his part in the death and dismemberment of 55-year-old Shane Nguyen in April of 2021.

A jury found 22-year-old Mathew Cramer guilty of murder, abuse of a corpse, and resisting law enforcement after about an hour of deliberation. During the sentencing, Cramer apologized to the family of Nguyen for his actions.

“I am truly sorry for what happened,” Cramer said. “I wish I could take it all back.”

BACKGROUND: Men accused of dismembering Fort Wayne man in storage unit

The details of this gruesome case were laid out during a week long trial. Prosecutors say there was a cell phone video taken of the dismemberment by Cramer’s friend, 21-year-old Jacob Carreon-Hamilton, who testified against him during the trial. Prosecutors also say Cramer admitted to the crime during an interview with police.

Jacob Carreon-Hamilton pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal, abuse of a corpse, and resisting law enforcement in July. Carreon-Hamilton was sentenced to five years behind bars.

The sentencing hearing focused less on the grisly details of murder and dismemberment, instead family members told the judge how Nguyen’s impacted them.

Nguyen’s wife described him as a devoted husband, father and son. He was killed just 8 months shy of their 25th wedding anniversary. She went on to say his death wreaked havoc on their family and the community.

Cramer has the option to appeal. Prosecuting Tom Chaille says Cramer does plan to appeal the conviction. A judge appointed a public defender to help him navigate the court proceedings.