Six years after the murder of a local rapper, one of the suspects received the minimum sentence on conspiracy charges when an El Paso County jury acquitted him of pulling the trigger in April.

Investigators arrested Aee Shawn Mathews, 27, last year and accused him of being the triggerman in the 2019 shooting death of William Underwood, a Colorado Springs-area rapper also known as FYL Jackk, at the orders of a rival area rapper named Derrick Bernard.

Mathews was sentenced to eight years in state prison for the conspiracy-to-commit murder charge Wednesday in the 4th Judicial District. 

Judge Chris Larson heard arguments from the Deputy District Attorney Tony Gioia and defense attorney Josh Tolini before handing down the sentence. Gioia argued for a sentence of 24 years in prison due to the “gravity” of the offense and Mathews’ “lack of remorse and accountability.”

Man acquitted in 2019 Colorado Springs rapper's shooting death

The case started on Sept. 17, 2019, when Underwood was confronted outside his aunt’s home during his birthday party. The assailant shot 18 times, including seven to the back of Underwood’s head, according to previous Gazette reporting.

During the trial, prosecutors argued Bernard wanted Underwood dead because of an ongoing feud and instructed Mathews in coded language to carry out the shooting.

Despite a jury clearing Mathews of the first-degree murder charge, which would have carried a life sentence, Gioia argued his role in the plan led to Underwood’s death.

Tolini requested probation for his client, citing the jury’s ruling and other factors, such as the length of time since the shooting, Bernard’s involvement and Mathews’ new role as a father.

Tolini made special note of Bernard, mentioning his previous convictions and ability to “exert power” over others.

Bernard was in state prison in 2019 at the time of Underwood’s death on a weapons charge, according to court records. Bernard was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole after representing himself during his November trial.

In quick fashion, man convicted of ordering death of Colorado Springs rap artist

Most recently, Bernard was found guilty in federal court on all counts related to the hate-crime “hoax” that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election. He vowed to appeal both convictions.

The courtroom was packed with family and friends of Underwood on Wednesday, with a handful of supporters sitting behind Mathews. Mathews appeared out of custody, seeming calm while awaiting sentencing.

Family members of Underwood submitted victim-impact statements to Judge Chris Larson ahead of sentencing, with only one friend of the victim, Autumn Kelly, taking the stand.

Kelly called Underwood’s death an act of “senseless violence,” saying she still feels the “painful ripple effect of his absence” every day that passes without him. Tears welling up in her eyes, Kelly asked Larson to consider the impact Underwood’s death left on the community.

“This was not a crime of passion or mistake,” Kelly said. “We will never be able to celebrate his birthday again without thinking of his death.”

Mathews gave a roughly 30-second statement before sentencing to express his condolences to Underwood’s family. His words were met with scoffs from those in the gallery and whispering after his short speech.

Larson called the conspiracy charge an “extremely significant offense.” While Mathews was sentenced to eight years, it is unlikely he will spend all of that time behind bars, Larson said. His sentence will be followed by three years of parole. No restitution was requested.

Upon hearing his sentence, Mathews took off his necklace and handed it to a family member alongside his phone and keys before five officers took him away in handcuffs.

Mathews’ time in the courtroom is not over quite yet. He awaits trial on accusations of attempted murder of two Colorado Springs police officers, stemming from an unrelated 2022 incident.