Pittsburgh Woman Murdered After Alleged Assailant's Release on Bail

Authorities say warning signs were missed, leading to preventable tragedy

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:04am

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In October 2017, 20-year-old Alina Sheykhet was murdered in her off-campus apartment in Pittsburgh. Her former boyfriend, 21-year-old Matthew Darby, had a history of alleged sexual assault and had recently been released on bail despite escalating warning signs, according to a former criminal justice investigator who worked the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about bail reform policies and the potential risks of releasing individuals with documented histories of escalating violence and sexual assault. It raises questions about how the criminal justice system can better identify and respond to warning signs to prevent such tragedies.

The details

Darby had a pending rape case in another Pennsylvania county involving a different girl, stemming from a February 2017 allegation. On September 21, 2017, he broke into Alina's apartment, but her roommates scared him away. On September 26, police arrested him for criminal trespass in connection with that incident. The former investigator, who worked the criminal trespass case, said she documented the escalating risk and requested a high monetary bond to delay or prevent his release, but was denied and instructed to recommend his release.

  • In March 2017, Darby was charged with rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, and indecent assault.
  • On September 21, 2017, Darby broke into Alina's apartment.
  • On September 26, 2017, police arrested Darby for criminal trespass.
  • On October 3, 2017, just days after his release, Darby was charged in another sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl.
  • On October 8, 2017, Darby returned to Alina's apartment and murdered her.

The players

Alina Sheykhet

A 20-year-old woman who was murdered in her off-campus apartment in Pittsburgh.

Matthew Darby

A 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to Alina Sheykhet's murder. He had a history of alleged sexual assault and escalating violent behavior.

Kelly Rae Robertson

A former criminal justice investigator who worked the criminal trespass case involving Darby and warned that he posed a serious risk if released.

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What they’re saying

“I told my supervisor, 'He doesn't like women telling him no.'”

— Kelly Rae Robertson, Former criminal justice investigator (Law Enforcement Today)

“I told colleagues, 'If he gets out, he will kill her.'”

— Kelly Rae Robertson, Former criminal justice investigator (Law Enforcement Today)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Matthew Darby out on bail again.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for the criminal justice system to better identify and respond to warning signs of escalating violence, even when reform-minded policies may push for more lenient release decisions. Tragedy can become predictable when documented risk factors are ignored.