Olive Township man sentenced to 36-60 years for uxoricide
OTTAWA COUNTY — A local man was sentenced Monday, Aug. 21, to 36 to 60 years in prison for the murder of his wife last year.
Matthew Hallacy of Olive Township has spent 406 days in jail since the "acts of terror" he committed when he killed his wife, Quinn.
"I know their childhoods ended when they (saw) their mother being murdered by the man whom they have loved and respected in the role of father," Heidi Koehler, the victim's mother, said in an impact statement in Ottawa County's 20th Circuit Court.
She was referring to Quinn's sons, 7 and 10 at the time, who were home during the murder. Hallacy's 10-year-old son was also there.
"(They) fought to save their mom, a role no child should have to assume, that of your mother's protector," Koehler said. "... Matt's acts of terror took away our sense of safety."
Quinn's sister and brother also gave victim impact statements to the court. Family and friends in the gallery were emotional throughout.
"Regardless of mental health issues and regardless of what reasons Mr. Hallacy believes he had committing this crime, when it comes down to it, he's a killer," said assistant prosecuting attorney Cara Wilkinson.
"This type of crime has the ability to tear families apart — and this family, Quinn's family, have actually been resilient, they've bounced back, they've come together as a family to display a united front to show their support and love for the victim in this case."
Hallacy was sentenced to a minimum of 36 years and up to 60 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
"He will be under lock and key into his 80s," Wilkinson said.
Hallacy spoke of his remorse and said he hopes to study divinity and sociology while in prison.
"Every day, now and forever, I beg God and Quinn for forgiveness," he said.
Hallacy was originally scheduled for trial in September.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Olive Township man sentenced to 36-60 years for uxoricide
