DECATUR, IL – The man accused of firing shots that killed a pregnant woman and injured her young daughter in a Decatur home last year has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, bypassing a potentially lengthy murder sentence.

Mattavius Anderson, who was 18 at the time of the 2023 incident, accepted a plea agreement earlier this week, resulting in the dismissal of nine felony counts, including murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. Instead, Anderson, now 21, was convicted of residential burglary and sentenced to 15 years in prison, with credit for time previously served.

The events unfolded in May 2023, when Ja’Niah Thomas, 20 and 26 weeks pregnant, was killed in a hail of gunfire that erupted inside her boyfriend’s home on North Woodford Street. Authorities say the shooting, which also left Thomas’ 4-year-old daughter severely wounded, was triggered by an argument on Snapchat.

Prosecutors detailed that Thomas was with her two young children, ages 4 and 2, at her boyfriend’s home when the Anderson brothers – Mattavius and Mattarion – accompanied by a third individual, Tarlan Mackey, arrived at the residence. A dispute had escalated online, drawing the group to the home late that evening.

When Thomas’ boyfriend and his brother went outside to confront the visitors, shots were fired into the house. Thomas, described by loved ones as a devoted mother and Decatur native, picked up her young daughter, attempting to shield her from harm. Both were struck, with Thomas sustaining fatal wounds and her daughter suffering a gunshot to the face, resulting in the loss of her right eye. Thomas’ two-year-old son escaped the violence unharmed.

Court documents reveal that Anderson opted for a bench trial after waiving his right to a jury, but his trial was called off following the plea agreement. His brother, Mattarion Anderson, chose to take his case to trial and was found guilty of murder in May. He is now serving a 40-year prison sentence.

Mackey, the third man identified in the case, also reached a plea deal. He admitted guilt on a residential burglary charge and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Family members and the community were left reeling from the tragedy. Thomas, remembered in her obituary as someone who cherished time with her children and loved to sing and dance, was mourned by relatives, friends, and neighbors. Her unborn child, Ja’Nylah Brielle Thomas, also died as a result of the shooting.

After the shooting, one of the Anderson brothers’ relatives reportedly reached out to offer an apology to the family of Thomas’ boyfriend. The message, sent via text, expressed regret for the events that had transpired.

Court records indicate that Anderson began serving his prison sentence immediately following sentencing, factoring in the time he has already spent in custody since his arrest.