Pender County man accused of killing sister could face death penalty

23-year-old Matthew Dolan appearing for the first time in Pender County Court on September 19, 2024. (Photo: Nate Mauldin/WWAY)
23-year-old Matthew Dolan appearing in Pender County Court for the first time on September 19, 2024. (Photo: Nate Mauldin/WWAY)

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County man accused of killing his sister could be eligible for capital punishment.

Matthew Dolan, 23, appeared in court on Friday, June 13, for a bond hearing. Dolan is charged with first degree murder, first degree arson, and cruelty to animals.

Megan Dolan, 21, was found dead by firefighters at the family’s Hampstead home in August of 2024.

Matthew Dolan then took off to Ohio, where he was arrested and later extradited.

Dolan was originally being held with no bond. Now, a judge has set his bond at $2.5 million.

Prosecutors also filed a motion on Wednesday, June 11, that they intend to seek the death penalty in this case.

Categories: Local, News, Pender