Closing arguments begin in ‘incredibly brutal’ Ridgecrest killing

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A prosecutor told a Kern County jury to use common sense when they begin deliberating in the trial of two men charged in what she called an “incredibly brutal” killing that occurred two years ago in Ridgecrest.

It’s very clear, prosecutor Christine Antonios said during her closing argument Thursday, that Brian Coykendall and Erwin Moore Jr. are responsible for the death of Matthew Ian Peterson.

Multiple witnesses said Coykendall, 34, had made comments threatening trouble if Peterson returned to Ridgecrest. The two had once been friends, but when Peterson went to jail Coykendall began dating his girlfriend.

When Peterson was released, Coykendall began formulating a plan, Antonios said. He asked a neighbor to turn off surveillance cameras so Coykendall would have “plausible deniability” in case “something happened,” she said.

On the afternoon of Peterson’s death on March 4, 2022, Coykendall called his buddy Moore, 30, the prosecutor has said. It’s alleged Moore traveled to Ridgecrest from outside the county and took part in the bloody slaying.

Both men are charged with first-degree murder. They face life terms in prison if convicted.

Peterson, 43, was severely beaten and shot once in the back of the head. Antonios played surveillance video that captured Peterson’s screams for help, followed by a gunshot.

“This was a painful and not an immediate death for Mr. Peterson,” she told the jury.

Antonios will finish her closing argument Friday morning, after which defense counsel will present their closing arguments and the jury will begin deliberating.

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