Tracy Nyariki, a 31-year-old home health aide from Newark, Delaware, was fatally stabbed 58 times by her ex-boyfriend after he waited inside her apartment for her to return from work, authorities said.
Background
Nyariki was last seen alive on the morning of December 17, 2024. According to investigators with the New Castle County Police Department, Nobert Matara had traveled to Nyariki's apartment and waited for her there. When she arrived home, he allegedly attacked her in a brutal assault that left her dead.
Three days later, on December 20, 2024, police were asked to conduct a welfare check at Nyariki's residence after the home health aide failed to show up for work. Her employer had reported her absence. When officers arrived at the apartment, they found "several suspicious circumstances that raised concerns about her safety and well-being," according to police.
Detectives identified Matara as a person of interest in Nyariki's disappearance. Law enforcement tracked his vehicle to a motel in Aberdeen, Maryland, where authorities say they discovered a suitcase containing Nyariki's dismembered human remains inside his car. Matara was arrested at the scene and transported back to Delaware to face charges.
The Investigation
Matara, 33 years old at the time of sentencing, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Nyariki's death. He later changed his plea to guilty, admitting to the killing during proceedings earlier this year. On June 26, a judge sentenced him to mandatory life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings praised the investigation in a statement following the sentencing. "The diligent work of the New Castle County Police Department and our Department of Justice trial team has brought this heinous criminal to justice, and I am grateful for their dedicated efforts. My thoughts are with the victim's family at this difficult time, and I hope this outcome provides them with some degree of peace and closure."
A GoFundMe campaign established by Nyariki's loved ones remains active and continues accepting donations in her memory.
Key Takeaways
- Tracy Nyariki, 31, was killed on December 17, 2024, at her Newark, Delaware apartment
- Investigators say Nobert Matara waited inside the residence until she returned home before attacking her
- Police discovered Nyariki's dismembered remains in a suitcase inside Matara's car at an Aberdeen, Maryland motel
- Matara pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 26
- The New Castle County Police Department led the investigation with support from Delaware DOJ
What's Next
With Matara now serving his sentence, there are no further court proceedings anticipated in this case. Nyariki's family continues to grieve their loss while community members have expressed shock at the violence of the killing.
Those looking to support Nyariki's family during this difficult time can contribute to the established GoFundMe campaign.