'Most prolific' rapist who drugged and raped women cries in court as he is sentenced to 158 years

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT: Stephen Matthews, 37, was sentenced to a staggering 158 years in prison on Friday, October 25 after being convicted on 35 counts of rape in August

Labelled one of the "most prolific" rapists, a tearful cardiologist faced his fate in court as he received a staggering 158-year prison sentence for his crimes against at least nine women.

Stephen Matthews, the shamed heart specialist from Colorado, was captured weeping in court snapshots after being slapped with his punishment. Despite appeals for mercy from himself, his legal team, and his parents, the judge announced that Matthews had made the world "a darker place" with his actions at the age of 37.

The fallout from his crimes spilled over to August when he sobbed upon conviction on 35 rape counts. With eleven victims standing up in court to accuse him and prosecutors suspecting many more remain in shadows, the gravity of his actions resonated through the courtroom.

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One victim's condemnation hung heavy in the air as they stamped him "one of the most prolific serial rapists in the history of the state of Colorado" while others threw scorn at him, dubbing him a "narcissistic monster." Even Matthews' father didn't mince words, branding his son as such and outing him as an alcoholic responsible for past similar misconduct.

On the contrasting side of parental despair, Matthews' mother begged District Court Judge Eric Johnson for leniency, her faith unwavering in her son's potential for rehabilitation, detailed by CBS News, reports the Mirror US.

The sentencing hearing, lasting a gruelling 4.5 hours, featured heartbreaking testimony from both of Matthews' parents and a number of his victims. One defiant survivor told the court, with reference to the Daily Mail, "We are now a powerful army of survivors, and you are nothing."

Denver local Matthews reportedly enticed women to his home after connecting via dating apps like Hinge and Tinder, selecting those who were conveniently close to his Lower Highland area residence.

Victims testified that Matthews would meet them at local watering holes or nearby spots before luring them back to his pad where he'd whip up a drink laced with drugs. This was part of a harrowing pattern which unfolded over four years, from about 2019 to 2023, according to multiple statements given against him.

This strategic drugging and subsequent assault, often recorded for use as leverage, was underscored by how strikingly similar each account was – giving the prosecution ample evidence to nail Matthews.

As Judge Johnson imposed Matthews' sentence, he didn't hold back. Descending upon the disgraced 37 year old with the weight of justice, Johnson seethed: "You have diminished this world," adding, "You have diminished many of its lights. You've hurt our society, and it's a darker place because of you. You brought disgrace upon yourself."

A group of women connected on Facebook after sharing similar traumatic encounters with the same man, leading to more than a dozen victims coming forward by October 2023 One victim, Allie (who chose not to disclose her surname), recounted to CBS News how she had been "excited to go on a first date and get to know" Matthews after seeing his Hinge profile featuring him with his dog engaging in outdoor activities.

Their meeting at a bar in January 2023 quickly turned into a nightmare when Matthews invited her to his townhouse under the pretence of letting out his dog. After using the bathroom there, Allie found that Matthews had prepared a drink for her without asking. Despite feeling uncomfortable, she didn't want to seem rude and accepted the drink, only to feel ill shortly after.

Her speech slurred, she collapsed, and saw Matthews filming her as she lay on the ground. He then assaulted her in a headlock that was "painful" and from which she couldn't escape. Traumatised, Allie managed to flee, vomiting and barely conscious, and escaped in an Uber.

At the sentencing on Friday, Denver DA Beth McCann praised the survivors' courage, asserting, "Stephen Matthews took advantage of nearly a dozen women in the most egregious way imaginable, and for that, he will now pay a significant price. I hope today's verdict provides a measure of comfort to all the victims, whose courage throughout this case should be an inspiration to us all."

Though Matthews remained silent at his hearing, his attorney Douglas Cohen informed the press his client will appeal the conviction, noting that the doctor had been advised "not to say anything."