Tacoma, WA — Nicholas Matthew, 29, has been convicted of attempted murder after brutally stabbing Victoria Nizzoli, 34, in a random attack on a park trail in Point Defiance Park in February 2024.
Matthew was found guilty on Tuesday for the attempted murder, with evidence and witness testimony revealing the terrifying details of the assault.
A Violent Attack in Broad Daylight
The attack took place on a Saturday afternoon in broad daylight when Nizzoli was walking alone on the park’s trails. Matthew allegedly approached her and began stabbing her repeatedly with a 5-6 inch fixed blade knife, targeting her back, torso, head, face, and neck, according to prosecutors.
During the assault, Matthew reportedly made chilling comments to the victim, telling her to “tilt your head back so you won’t be in pain anymore” and “Soon you won’t feel any pain … you need to meet your maker.” Despite these threats, Nizzoli fought for her life.
Nizzoli’s Brave Fight for Survival
Prosecutors credited Nizzoli’s bravery as one of the main reasons she survived the attack. Lisa Wagner, a deputy prosecutor, emphasized in her closing arguments that Nizzoli’s ability to fight back—using her hands, arms, and even her voice—was critical in saving her life.
Her screams for help were heard by at least four witnesses, one of whom, identified as J.V., intervened and physically kicked Matthew off Nizzoli, forcing him to flee the scene.
A Heroic Intervention
Witnesses described how J.V. ran toward the sounds of Nizzoli’s screams and confronted Matthew, telling him to stop the attack. Matthew allegedly replied, “She’s a pedophile, I can’t let her live,” before J.V. kicked him, knocking him away from the victim.
Nizzoli Testifies: A Harrowing Account
During Matthew’s trial, Nizzoli testified about the terrifying moments she endured. She described how she had to fight with her teeth to keep hold of the knife, fearing for her life as Matthew held the knife to her throat. She recounted Matthew’s chilling comment about ending her pain as he attempted to sever an artery.
In an emotional interview after testifying, Nizzoli expressed her anger toward Matthew, who represented himself during the trial. “He tried to end my life, and he was smiling and smirking,” she said. “It makes me want to punch him.” However, she acknowledged that she trusted the justice system to deliver the proper outcome.
Matthew’s Mental Health History and Upcoming Sentencing
Matthew, who has a documented history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia and depression, will be sentenced later this year. His defense claimed that his mental health condition played a role in his actions. However, the severity of the attack and his intent to kill Nizzoli were key factors in the conviction.
The case underscores the importance of resilience and the intervention of witnesses in preventing further harm. The community continues to support Nizzoli, whose courage has been hailed as instrumental in surviving such a brutal attack.
