Portland man sentenced to 16 years in prison for fatal West End stabbing
Portland Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Stabbing Death of Roommate
Portland, Maine – A 49‑year‑old Portland resident was handed a 16‑year prison sentence for the manslaughter of his 43‑year‑old roommate in a February 2025 ruling by the Cumberland County Superior Court.
Domingus Nobrega was found guilty of manslaughter after a plea agreement was reached with prosecutors in August. The agreement replaced the original murder charge that had been filed following the discovery of Matthew Merrick’s body at a Marshall Street apartment in Portland’s West End.
Merrick, who had grown up in the Portland area and had previously worked as a cook at Andy’s Old Port Pub on Commercial Street, was pronounced dead after being stabbed. The investigation concluded that the fatal injury was inflicted by Nobrega, who had been sharing the apartment with Merrick.
In the courtroom on Monday afternoon, Judge Mark A. Cline read the sentence to the public. The judge emphasized that the decision reflected the severity of the crime and the impact on Merrick’s family and friends. The sentence will be served at the Maine Correctional Facility in Penobscot.
Nobrega’s attorney, Lisa T. Rodriguez, noted that the plea deal allowed the defendant to accept responsibility while avoiding a potential murder conviction that could have carried a longer sentence. “We took the case to the court and found that a guilty plea was in the best interest of all parties,” Rodriguez said.
Family members of Merrick expressed shock and sadness at the outcome. “It’s a tragedy that we can’t undo,” said Merrick’s sister, who spoke at a memorial held the week before the sentencing. “But we’re grateful the justice system is moving forward.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and violent crime in Portland. Law enforcement officials said they will continue to review security measures in shared housing to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Nobrega will be transferred to the state prison system once the sentence is executed. His attorneys plan to appeal the sentence, citing the plea agreement’s terms. The appeal process is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
The sentencing is part of a broader effort by the Cumberland County Superior Court to address violent crime cases through plea negotiations when appropriate. The court’s docket for 2025 includes other high‑profile homicide cases that are still pending trial.
Merrick’s death and Nobrega’s conviction have prompted discussions within the Portland community about roommate safety and the importance of early intervention in domestic disputes. Community groups have called for increased outreach programs and educational campaigns aimed at preventing violent confrontations among residents sharing living spaces.
The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the investigation that began after Merrick’s body was found in the apartment. Authorities had collected evidence and interviewed witnesses before filing the initial murder charge. The plea agreement, reached months earlier, concluded the legal process, allowing the court to finalize the sentence.
The sentencing hearing was attended by family members, friends of the deceased, and several local officials. The proceedings were open to the public, with court staff maintaining strict decorum throughout the session.
Nobrega’s sentence will be added to the official record of the Cumberland County Superior Court, and the case will be forwarded to the Maine Department of Corrections for incarceration.
As the community processes the loss of Matthew Merrick, officials and advocates continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and support systems to prevent future tragedies.
