PennsylvaniaMan Convictedof Kidnapping and Killing Girlfriend in Nevada Desert

John Matthew Chapman, a 44-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been found guilty of kidnapping resulting in death by a jury in U.S. District Court in Nevada. The conviction stems from the murder of his girlfriend, Jaime Feden, 33, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in a Nevada desert in September 2019. Chapman faces a potential sentence of life in prison at a sentencing hearing scheduled for August 2.

General News According to prosecutors, Chapman drove Feden from her home in Bethel Park to Nevada under the pretense of a vacation. Once in the desert, Chapman bound Feden's hands and feet with zip ties, tied her to a signpost, and covered her mouth and nose with duct tape, causing her to die from asphyxiation. Feden suffered from VATER syndrome, which limited her mental capacity.

Why this matters: This case highlights the devastating consequences of financial exploitation and abuse, particularly against vulnerable individuals. This case highlights the devastating consequences of financial exploitation and abuse, particularly against vulnerable individuals. It also emphasizes the importance of vigilance and timely intervention by authorities and community members in preventing such heinous crimes.

After killing Feden, Chapman impersonated her on Facebook, used her home in Bethel Park, and spent her money, motivated by her financial resources. Neighbors became suspicious when they hadn't seen Feden or her vehicle for months but saw Chapman around the house. Police conducted a welfare check on November 14, 2019, at the request of a friend, leading to Chapman's arrest.

During the welfare check, police found identification cards with Chapman's name and photo, Feden's cellphone, zip ties, and a roll of duct tape. Chapman, originally from Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and previously residing in Allegheny County, had been living in Oakland, Maryland, at the time of his arrest.

Man Convicted The crime took place in Lincoln County, Nevada, approximately 170 miles north of Las Vegas. U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan will determine Chapman's sentence after considering guidelines and other statutory factors. The Associated Press left an email message with Chapman's attorneys seeking comment, but no response was given.

Chapman admitted to killing Feden for her money, leading her to believe they were taking a road trip to Las Vegas for a photo shoot. Instead, he brought her to the remote Nevada desert location, where he carried out the brutal murder. "Chapman's motivation for the crime was to access his girlfriend's money," prosecutors stated.

Key Takeaways

• John Chapman guilty of kidnapping resulting in death of girlfriend Jaime Feden.
• Feden, 33, was killed in Nevada desert in 2019; Chapman faces life in prison.
• Chapman motivated by Feden's financial resources, impersonated her on Facebook.
• Feden had VATER syndrome, limiting her mental capacity; neighbors reported suspicions.
• Chapman admitted to killing Feden for her money, leading to his conviction.