A Lancaster man was sentenced Friday to life in prison – plus 20 years – for the brutal murder of a local teacher during an overnight burglary in 2014.

Thomas G. Moore, formerly of St. Joseph Street, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and related charges regarding the Dec. 15 killing of Nicole Mathewson inside her city home.

Moore pleaded guilty to those charges in exchange for the life-plus-20-to-40-years sentence, negotiated by First Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Larsen, Assistant District Attorney Christopher Lechner and Moore’s defense team.

Prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty at trial in April.

Nicole Mathewson, a 32-year-old teacher at Brownstown Elementary School, was slain in the middle of the night inside 710 North Franklin St., her house apparently chosen as a random burglary target.

“I just want to apologize for everything everybody's been through,” Moore said after being asked three time by County Judge David Ashworth for comment. "I appreciate the forgiveness. That's it."

Moore, 26, provided no explanation for why he killed Mathewson.

Moore and Marcus Rutter are both charged in the case.

Several of Mathewson's friends and relatives expressed forgiveness for Moore.

"I'm in awe of those able to forgive (Moore),” said Judge Ashworth, who accepted the plea agreement and ordered sentence. "As judge, it's not within my power to forgive."

Mathewson's loved ones described her as a selfless person and devoted teacher.

"She would've helped you and probably has forgiven you," Tina Mathewson, Nicole's mother, said in a statement read by friend Elizabeth Foster.

Mark Mathewson, Nicole's father, said:

"It's hard for me to understand evil - and you are evil. You had a pregnant girlfriend. Why would you jeopardize that? I feel sorry for her and your young child."

Mathewson was beaten to death inside the house. Her debit card, vehicle and other items were stolen.

Police learned that Rutter had some of the stolen items and that a withdrawal was made from Mathewson’s account soon after the break-in.

Moore also was ordered to pay $38,566 in restitution costs for damages to the home, funeral and counseling costs.

The case against Rutter is pending. Rutter, 16 at the time of the killing, is being prosecuted as an adult.

Lancaster city police Detective Jimmy Mummau filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright