He pleaded guilty to that charge in October.
Matthew Sidney Watley. (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attoreny’s; Office)
Frederick, Md. (KM) A Sicklerville, New Jersey man was sentenced Thursday in Frederick County Circuit Court for 2nd-degree murder. Matthew Sidney Watley, 48, was given the maximum of 40 years for the murder of Candice Thompson, 46, also of Sicklerville. Watley pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder on October 21st, 2025. . He is getting credit for time served since September 24th, 2023.
The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says at around 1:31 AM on September 24th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Costco warehouse at 5236 Intercoastal Drive in New Market for a welfare check. Costco Security says a man was yelling and screaming at his truck, punching its window.
Deputies tried to make contact with the man, who was operating his vehicle. But he refused their demands to shut off the engine. Additional deputies arrived at the scene as the man was driving toward the gate house.
They were able to stop the man from leaving by using stop sticks on the truck, deflating the tires. He was told to get out the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and Thompson’s body was found lying face down on the floor. She appeared to have multiple stab wounds on her back, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Medics arriving at the scene pronounced her deceased.
Thompson’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy determined Thompson died from blunt and sharp force trauma. .
Watley was charged with 1st- and 2nd-degree murder for Thompson’s death. . He was taken to Frederick Health Hospital where he remained for medical and mental health treatment.
Detectives investigating the incident say the two were in a dating relationship in New Jersey where they had a history of domestic violence.
“What a tragic loss of life, ” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “My heart goes out to the family. Domestic violence homicides are becoming more epidemic in the our country. These violent offenders need to be treated harshly at the onset before they go on to take the life of their intimate partner.”
Thompson’s mother addressed the court on Thursday during sentencing. “I don’t want to live after what this monster did to my daughter; he destroyed my family,” she said.
By Kevin McManus