Star, Idaho – Matthew Blazek, a 47-year-old man from Star, Idaho, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the brutal assault and rape of his former partner. The sentence mandates that he serve at least 20 years before being eligible for parole.
Blazek was found guilty by a jury in Ada County of several charges, including rape, use of a deadly weapon, forcible penetration, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and attempted strangulation. The incident occurred in July 2023 when Blazek broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home through a window, where he proceeded to attack her over several hours, assaulting her in front of her young child, strangling her, threatening her with a knife, and ultimately raping her.
Following the attack, the victim, who was left with injuries covering most of her body, courageously contacted the police to report the crime once Blazek had left her residence. In January, Blazek was convicted by the jury, and the judge determined him to be a high risk to re-offend, describing his behavior as “predatory.”
As a result of his crimes, Blazek will spend a minimum of 20 years in prison before he is considered for parole, with the possibility of serving up to 45 years behind bars. If he serves the full term, he will be 92 years old upon his release.
The severity of Blazek’s actions and the impact on his victim highlight the importance of holding perpetrators of such violent crimes accountable for their actions. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the lasting trauma caused by domestic violence and sexual assault, emphasizing the necessity of supporting and believing survivors as they seek justice and healing.