Illegal Immigrant Sentenced for Nashville Hit-and-Run

An undocumented immigrant who crossed the southern border during the Biden administration has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of Matthew Carney, 42, the owner of Smokin’ Typhus restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee. This tragic incident occurred in June 2024.

This week, Ulises Raigoza Martinez, a Mexican national, was found guilty of killing Carney on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Smokin’ Scythe. Just last week, Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to charges including murder, theft, and tampering with evidence.

Authorities reported that Raigoza-Martinez was driving in the restaurant’s parking lot when he stopped to steal tools from Carney’s truck. Carney confronted him, and in the ensuing altercation, Raigoza-Martinez drove away, hitting Carney and pinning him to the hood of the vehicle. Carney was thrown off as Raigoza-Martinez made a turn, and he later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

“This individual, who is an undocumented immigrant, pleaded guilty to serious charges after running over and killing Matt Carney in Nashville,” said a representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Lauren Biss.

This individual should never have been in our country to commit such a heinous act. We will continue collaborating with state and local partners in Tennessee to ensure he is transferred to ICE custody upon completing his sentence for deportation.

Matthew Carney is remembered, in his obituary, as someone with a “bubbly spirit” who had a “loud laugh and a smile that lit up a room.” His friends recalled him as the life of the party, known for his positive attitude, humor, and loyalty. Carney cherished moments spent on the water with family and friends, enjoying adventures like crawling rocks or working in the garage with his dog, Mr. Kitty.

He is survived by his wife Molly, his parents Clifford Carney and Debra Taylor, a brother, a sister, and several extended family members.