Janice R. Andrews
California Man Faces Additional Charges in “Gone Girl” Kidnapping Case
Matthew Muller, a disbarred attorney previously known for the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins, now faces new charges related to two unsolved home invasion sexual assaults from 2009. The allegations, revealed by prosecutors on Monday, shed light on Muller’s history of violent crimes.
New Allegations of Home Invasion Sexual Assault
Prosecutors claim that in September 2009, Muller broke into a Mountain View home, tied up a woman in her 30s, and forced her to take medications. Although he intended to assault her, the victim convinced him to stop. Muller then left, advising her to get a dog for protection.
In October of the same year, Muller allegedly broke into a home in Palo Alto, gagged and bound a woman, and made her drink Nyquil. Although he began assaulting her, she too convinced him to stop.
Muller now faces two felony counts of sexual assault during a home invasion, charges that could result in life imprisonment.
“These crimes seem like something out of a Hollywood script, but they are tragically real,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. “Our goal is to hold this individual accountable and ensure he can never harm anyone again.”
DNA Evidence Leads to New Charges
The new charges were brought to light after newly tested evidence linked Muller to the crimes. DNA from Muller was found on binding straps used during one of the assaults, confirming his involvement.
Muller’s lawyer, public defender Agustin Arias, has declined to comment on the new charges.
A Dark Criminal Past
Muller is currently serving a 40-year sentence for the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins, a case that was initially dismissed by authorities as a hoax. Muller entered Huskins’ boyfriend’s home in Vallejo, restrained both victims, demanded an $8,500 ransom, and abducted Huskins.
She was released two days later near her father’s home in Huntington Beach, hours before the ransom deadline. Initially, Vallejo police accused Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, of staging the abduction, comparing it to the plot of the film and book Gone Girl.
However, those accusations were retracted when Muller was arrested in connection with another home invasion. Evidence, including a stolen computer, tied him to the Huskins kidnapping.
In 2022, Muller pleaded no contest to two counts of forcible rape against Huskins, resulting in an additional 31-year prison sentence.
A Pattern of Violence
Muller’s actions illustrate a calculated and violent pattern of behavior. The similarities between his 2009 home invasions and the 2015 kidnapping demonstrate his methodical approach—breaking into homes, restraining victims, and using drugs to control them.
While the details of these crimes may appear sensational, the victims’ trauma is real and lasting. District Attorney Rosen stressed that the goal of the new charges is to ensure Muller is held accountable and prevented from causing further harm.
Moving Toward Justice
The latest charges bring a sense of closure to the 2009 victims and highlight Muller’s continued pattern of criminal activity. Prosecutors are committed to securing justice for all those affected by his crimes.
If convicted, Muller faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars, ensuring he cannot terrorize any more victims.
