Morrisville man pleads guilty to wife's second-degree murder, gets 13 to 16 years in prison

A Morrisville man accused of killing his wife pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder on Monday and was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison.

A judge accepted the plea deal for Michael Matthews, who was charged with the April 14, 2023, murder of his wife, 33-year-old Nabaruna Karmakar.

Karmakar died from two gunshot wounds to the chest and torso at the couple's home on Seagrave Place in Morrisville, according to police.

Police said Matthews called 911 in 2023 and told the 911 operator he wanted to report a "double suicide" before hanging up the phone.

In court on Monday, prosecutors said police officers who responded to the couple's home after the 911 call found Karmakar dead under a desk.

According to prosecutors, the scene appeared to be "staged," with a gas can and bullet casings found next to the victim. Prosecutors said Karmakar's arm was wrapped around a container holding the ashes of her dog, which had died recently.

A suicide note mentioning the dog's death was found at the scene. Prosecutors allege Matthews wrote that note.

Additionally, prosecutors said Matthews was seen the day before the shooting purchasing a gun, ammunition and the gas can from Bass Pro Shops in Cary.

Karmakar graduated from North Carolina State University and worked in research and development for SAS in Cary. In court on Monday, friends and loved ones spoke about her love for life. 

"She was vibrant like the colorful clothes she loved to wear," said Joy Davis, a friend. "Life will never be the same without her. She deserved better."

Dr. Kim Nagulpelli, who called Karmakar her best friend, said the victim had shared concerning details about Matthews in the past. 

"Naba wanted Michael to be her soulmate," Nagulpelli said. "Naba said he was verbally abusive -- shame on me for not connecting the dots to help her."

Nagulpelli claims Karmakar had asked Matthews for a divorce before the shooting.

"You pulled the trigger that killed my best friend, and you will likely be out getting to live your life," she said in court on Monday.

Russell Babb, Matthews' defense attorney, asked that Matthews serve his sentence at a facility that can address his "mental health and substance abuse issues."

Matthews was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison but will get credit for the time he has already spent in prison.