Kandiyohi County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A Minneapolis man accused of killing a motorist on Highway 23 in October 2024 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Kandiyohi County District Court.
On Friday, August 29, 26-year-old Ameer Musa Matariyeh entered guilty pleas to second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder. Two additional felony charges, first-degree assault and fleeing a peace officer, were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. The case had been pending since Matariyeh was declared mentally competent to stand trial earlier this year.
The victim, identified as 55-year-old Jerome Skluzacek of New London, was shot once in the head while driving on the Highway 71/23 bypass near Willmar on October 22, 2024. Authorities say Matariyeh attempted to steal Skluzacek’s pickup truck during a crime spree linked to a domestic assault in Minneapolis. Despite lifesaving measures at the scene, Skluzacek was pronounced dead. A second victim, shot earlier at a Lake Lillian residence, survived.
At Friday’s plea hearing, Kandiyohi County Attorney Kristen Pierce detailed the charges. Matariyeh’s attorney, William Walker, told reporters his client was remorseful and wanted to take responsibility. “He made clear that he wanted to see his daughter,” Walker said, noting that while it offered context, it did not excuse the crimes.
Matariyeh entered his plea with Norgaard Addendum, which allows a defendant to claim memory loss of the events while agreeing that the evidence would likely lead to a conviction. These pleas do not affect sentencing outcomes.
Following the hearing, Matariyeh was ordered held without bail. Sentencing is scheduled for November 24 in Kandiyohi County District Court. Learn more about Minnesota criminal court procedures here.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Ameer Musa Matariyeh