An Anne Arundel man who is the son of a convicted murderer was released from jail Thursday after pleading guilty to helping his mother dispose of her boyfriend?s body.
Matthew Haarhoff, 20, entered an Alford plea to accessory after the fact in the murder of Tony Fertitta, 50, whose body was found ablaze on a Millersville roadside in February 2006.
The plea allows Haarhoff to maintain his innocence while acknowledging the state has enough evidence to convict him.
Anne Arundel Circuit Judge Pamela North sentenced Haarhoff to an 18-month suspended sentence and three years of probation. He waived his right to time served for the two years he spent in jail awaiting trial.
North prohibited Haarhoff from having any contact with his mother, Cynthia McKay, 52, who was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison for Fertitta?s murder.
“Your mother has had considerable sway over everything you have done, and you need a recess from her,” North told Haarhoff.
“I?m trying to give you the best shot I can give you.”
McKay attempted Wednesday to rescind her Alford plea to second-degree murder even though her son?s release from jail was contingent to her sticking with the plea.
Haarhoff, who was 17 at the time, allegedly told friends he killed Fertitta himself, and his DNA was found on the steering wheel of the truck used to transport Fertitta?s body.
Defense attorney David Putzi said Haarhoff falsely confessed to protect his mother.
“I?ve joked that if given the opportunity, Matt would?ve confessed to taking the Lindbergh baby,” he said.
Haarhoff initially was charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was later reduced.
“I don?t believe his hand held the murder weapon,” said prosecutor Virginia Miles, adding that Fertitta?s family blames McKay.
Prosecutors said McKay, a career thief, killed Fertitta because he discovered she was stealing thousands of dollarsfrom him.
McKay?s plot also ensnared another son, Christopher Haarhoff, 22, who was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty in October to accessory after the fact.
