Mathew Locke was sentenced on Thursday in Worcester after being found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder based on three legal theories: deliberate premeditation, extreme atrocity and cruelty, and felony murder. These convictions stemmed from serious underlying felonies, including armed burglary and aggravated rape, which contributed to the severity of his sentences.

In addition to the murder charges, he was also convicted of armed burglary and arson, highlighting the brutal nature of his crimes and the extensive planning involved in the attacks on the family.

The tragic victims of this brutal crime included Sara Bermudez, 38, along with her three young children: Madison, age 8, James, age 6, and Michael, just 2 years old. Their bodies were discovered brutally stabbed to death in their West Brookfield home on March 1, 2018, a day that will forever haunt their community.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. described the murders as ?among the most heinous ever seen by this office,? underscoring the shocking nature of the crime and the profound impact it has had on the community as well as the legal system.

At the time of the murders, Bermudez was away on business, leaving his family vulnerable. The gruesome discovery was made by Sara Bermudez?s father-in-law, who found the lifeless bodies of Sara and her children in the charred remains of their bedroom, a scene that nobody could have anticipated.

Warning: Graphic details to follow.

During the trial, police testimony revealed that one of the young victims appeared severely burned, while both Sara and her daughter were found nude from the waist down, indicating the horrific nature of the attacks.

The two female victims had allegedly been stabbed multiple times, with indications of sexual assault. Forensic testimony suggested that both were alive during the brutal assault, and Locke?s DNA was found to be consistent with samples collected from the victims, linking him directly to the crime scene and the horrific acts committed against these innocent lives.

The two young boys also suffered numerous stab wounds, with some injuries penetrating their bodies completely, showcasing the sheer brutality of the attack.

Locke is accused of pouring gasoline on the victims before igniting a fire that caused further devastation. Fortunately, the blaze extinguished itself before causing additional damage, but the aftermath left a haunting scene that will be remembered by the local community.

Throughout the trial, Locke maintained his innocence, with the defense arguing that the DNA evidence did not establish a strong enough connection to the crime. They also suggested that Locke lacked a clear motive for such a heinous act. Interestingly, Bermudez briefly speculated that the infamous MS-13 gang might be responsible for the murders, although he later retracted this statement, attributing it to intoxication and grief.

Prosecutors asserted that Locke was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the murders, potentially seeking drugs, money, or settling an unknown score, which raises further questions about his state of mind during the horrific events.

A female cousin of Locke testified during the trial, claiming that they had used cocaine together on the day of the murders. She presented text messages that suggested a disturbing plan where he appeared to arrange for her to engage in sexual acts for money, alongside expressing his own inappropriate sexual interests towards her.

During the victim impact statement delivered before sentencing this week, Locke?s cousin, Moses Bermudez, expressed profound grief: ?there is a special place in hell for those who do things like this,? as he reflected on the brutal murder of his entire family, showcasing the deep emotional scars left by this tragedy.

He further shared, ?I do not wish for anyone to be in this position, not even my worst enemy,? while displaying a heartfelt photograph of himself with his wife and children by their Christmas tree, a moment now forever tainted by this tragedy, according to the Telegram & Gazette.

?Where do I go from here?? he reportedly questioned, highlighting the profound sense of loss and confusion that accompanies such a devastating event.

During the sentencing hearing, Locke?s cousin Malinda Mathieson reflected on the destructive impact of drugs, stating, ?Drugs are a terrible thing. I am very sorry this has torn our family apart,? recognizing the broader issues that contributed to this tragedy.

?I pray somehow God finds some forgiveness for you,? she added, conveying her struggle to reconcile her feelings of anger and sorrow. ?But today, I cannot forgive you. I am sorry.?