Boise Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Murdering Partygoer with a Rare Genetic Disorder

An individual has been given a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of committing second-degree murder at a Boise party. The perpetrator, Jed Earls, 34, was convicted of killing 22-year-old James “Matt” Cuellar with an enhancement for using a deadly weapon to commit the crime. The incident took place in the 2100 block of South Owyhee Street on Jan. 15, 2022, and the sentencing was delivered by Fourth District Judge Cynthia Yee-Wallace in May. The victim, Cuellar, who had a rare genetic disorder called Pierre Robin syndrome, was repeatedly antagonized and mocked throughout the night by Earls, leading to a fatal outcome. Cuellar's family and friends have been offered sincere condolences by Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. Earls was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with a stipulated 20-year term before parole eligibility.

Conviction and Sentence

Jed Earls, aged 34, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of James “Matt” Cuellar, with an enhancement for using a deadly weapon. The sentencing, delivered in May by Fourth District Judge Cynthia Yee-Wallace, imposed a 50-year prison term, with parole eligibility after 20 years.

Victim's Harassment and Genetic Disorder

Throughout the fateful night, Earls engaged in repeated antagonization and mockery of the victim, James “Matt” Cuellar, who suffered from the rare genetic disorder Pierre Robin syndrome, leading to tragic consequences.