Matthew York

Matthew Steven York was a 19-year-old White man with a big heart and a contagious smile who friends and family said always put others before himself. Originally from Hope, Arkansas, Matthew was working in Williston, North Dakota, with his father, Chad. His obituary described him as a “mama’s boy” who loved to work out, ride his motorcycle, hunt, and fish. Friends recalled that he made friends for life and would always check in on people to see if they were okay. His family planned to bring him back to his hometown for burial.

On the evening of Sunday, November 10, 2019, Matthew’s life was cut short by gunfire. Around 8:30 p.m., police in Williston responded to reports of gunshots in the alley behind a Cash Wise grocery store. They arrived to find two victims: Matthew, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and his 19-year-old friend, Parker Haider, who was critically injured. A witness told reporters he first thought he heard firecrackers, then saw a man run off. After hearing yelling, he went outside and found the two young men on the ground. The witness said he held Matthew in his arms, trying to keep him awake until first responders arrived.

The investigation moved quickly. Using witness statements and surveillance video, police identified a suspect who they said knew the victims. In the early morning hours of November 11, officers arrested a 17-year-old male. He was later identified as Ian Zachary Laboyd and was charged as an adult with the murder of Matthew York, the attempted murder of Parker Haider, possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and delivery of a controlled substance.

During a preliminary hearing in January 2020, a detective testified that surveillance footage and a witness helped identify Laboyd and locate the firearm used in the shooting. The detective also stated that a female acquaintance of Laboyd’s told police he had admitted to shooting someone. Laboyd’s defense attorneys argued that he had acted in self-defense. They claimed that two days prior to the shooting, Laboyd had stolen acid pills from Matthew, which led Matthew to assault a minor who was with Laboyd and post threats on Snapchat about his intent to cause Laboyd harm. The defense also noted that a .45 caliber handgun was found in the glove compartment of the vehicle Matthew had arrived in. Despite the self-defense claim, a judge found probable cause for all five charges, and Laboyd pleaded not guilty.

In July 2020, a Williams County judge held an evidentiary hearing to consider arguments from the defense and prosecution. The defense argued that the events from two days before the shooting should be submitted as evidence of Matthew’s character. The state’s attorney contended the evidence should be used only to set the stage for the shooting. The judge did not make an immediate decision on the matter but did schedule Ian Laboyd’s 10-day jury trial for October 19, 2020. This was the last known development in the case as of July 2020.