A Mexican citizen, Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing of Nashville restaurant owner Matt Carney. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Raigoza-Martinez, seeking his custody for deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
Authorities stated that Raigoza-Martinez entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 22, 2026, to charges including murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence, and theft over $2,500. He was sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2024, when investigators allege Raigoza-Martinez attempted to steal tools from Matt Carney's pickup truck outside Carney's Nashville restaurant, Smokin' Thighs. Carney, 42, confronted the individual and was struck by the vehicle as Raigoza-Martinez fled. Carney sustained critical injuries and died at a Nashville hospital on July 4, 2024.
Raigoza-Martinez was arrested in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that Raigoza-Martinez should not have been in the country. Federal authorities plan to work with Tennessee officials to ensure Raigoza-Martinez is transferred to ICE custody after serving his prison time, initiating removal proceedings.
