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Hudson murder suspect Adam Matos appears in court; judge says he'll remain jailed

 
Adam Matos, 28, makes his first Pasco County court appearance Tuesday via video. 
Adam Matos, 28, makes his first Pasco County court appearance Tuesday via video. 
Published Sept. 16, 2014

NEW PORT RICHEY — Adam Matos, charged with the murders of four people in Hudson, made his first appearance in court Tuesday via video conference.

Pasco County Judge Paul Firmani addressed Matos and asked him whether he needed a lawyer appointed.

"Should I appoint a public defender?" he asked Matos, using a video screen.

Matos, in a red jail suit, stood quietly and answered evenly, "Public defender."

He said nothing else. Firmani retained Matos' no-bail status in the Pasco County jail.

Matos, 28, faces four charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of Megan Brown, the mother of his 4-year-old son; her parents, Margaret and Gregory Brown; and Megan Brown's new boyfriend, Nicholas Leonard. He is also charged with aggravated assault and being a fugitive.

Authorities say Matos recently moved with the Browns from Pennsylvania. They were all living in a large waterfront home on Hatteras Drive when Matos was accused of threatening Megan Brown with a knife. Matos disappeared after that, and soon, friends and family of the Browns couldn't reach them. Their bodies were discovered near Old Dixie Highway, less than a mile from the house.

Matos was arrested days later at a downtown Tampa hotel. Tristan, his autistic son with Megan Brown, was with him but unharmed.

After the court hearing, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco held a news conference about the case.

"The biggest thing is that we provide justice for the families (of the victims)," he said.

Nocco said it will take time for forensic evidence to come back from the house to determine the specifics of the crime. He would not speculate on the order of the killings of the victims.

Detective Chet Cougill said the motive was domestic. He tried to interview Tristan, he said, but the child did not provide information.

Nocco emphasized the focus should be on the killer.

"Adam Matos is a killer and that's what it comes down to," he said. "He killed four people, that's the main point."

Contact Jon Silman at jsilman@tampabay.com.