Judge Sentenced Clearwater Man to 30 Years for Murder
Stuart Beck received a 30-year prison sentence following his conviction for the 2022 murder of Michael Conrad.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Violence
Judge Philippe Matthey handed down a 30-year prison sentence to Stuart Beck after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder. The sentencing follows the 2022 shooting death of 20-year-old Michael Conrad inside a Clearwater apartment.
Why it matters
The prosecution argued the shooting was an intentional and deliberate assassination, while the defense claimed Beck lacked the capacity for rational decision-making at the time of the crime. This ruling concludes a high-profile case that originated when Beck broke into an apartment and killed Conrad.
Stuart Beck was sentenced to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder, exceeding the 25-year mandatory minimum for the charge. The sentence follows a jury conviction delivered in July 2026.
The players
Stuart Beck
The 25-year-old defendant was convicted of second-degree murder for a 2022 shooting in Clearwater.
Philippe Matthey
The judge oversaw the legal proceedings and ultimately handed down the 30-year prison sentence.
Michael Conrad
The 20-year-old victim was killed during a break-in at an apartment in 2022.
Kaitlyn Nash-Koehler
The resident of the apartment where the shooting occurred was a central figure in the investigation.
The details
Stuart Beck broke into the residence of Kaitlyn Nash-Koehler to carry out the attack, later fleeing the scene and hiding a stolen firearm in the woods for one hour. The 25-year-old defendant, whose own father was killed when he was 15, has spent the last four years in jail awaiting the resolution of this case.
Timeline
July 6, 2022: Stuart Beck shot and killed Michael Conrad.
July 2026: A jury convicted Stuart Beck of second-degree murder.
October 9, 2026: Judge Philippe Matthey sentenced Stuart Beck to 30 years in prison.
Legal Context
The sentencing follows the Florida mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder. The 30-year prison term represents an upward departure from the 25-year mandatory minimum established by the state.
The conclusion of this trial brings a resolution to a violent incident that occurred within a local residential apartment. Residents can note the official legal closure of a case that has been ongoing for the past four years.
The takeaway
This case highlights the judicial application of mandatory minimums in violent crime sentencing. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of firearm violence on families and the broader community.
Further reading
For more on ongoing legal proceedings and public safety, visit Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
