A well-known Detroit radio news anchor was killed during a bloody attack in his home that also injured his girlfriend and their two children, authorities said.
Jim Matthews, 57 was the beloved overnight reporter for Detroit’s WWJ radio station. He died Friday after a “frequent visitor”Police said that he and his family were attacked at his suburban Chesterfield Township condo.
His 35-year-old girlfriend was able to escape with their 5-year-old daughter, and flagged down a passing motorist for help, according to Chesterfield Public Safety Director Brian Basset. He said that the mother was stabbed and the girl had also been hurt.
According to police, the woman unidentified is currently in critical condition. The girl was treated and released to her aunt. Basset reported that Matthews, a 10-year-old boy, was found bound and beat inside the closet by police officers who stormed their family home.
His relatives stated that the boy is now in critical condition and has had brain and ear surgery. They believe he was trying to protect his father from the chaos.
Authorities said that the 54-year old suspect was found with self-inflicted injuries and an overdose of heroin in the basement of the condo. Investigators concluded that the attack appeared to have been a murder-prevention attempt suicide. The suspect, who was not identified, was revived by Narcan and taken to a nearby hospital.
Police said that the suspect, who was not identified, has been taken to Macomb County Jail while he awaits charges.
A GoFundMe campaignhas been created for the children by their aunt, Ashley Quigley, who wrote she is caring for the couple’s daughter.
“I am working on getting these kids everything they need. My niece is doing well, but my nephew is in critical condition,”She wrote. “Last night he was forced to undergo brain surgery and ear surgery. He has come through both successfully. He is still currently sedated and is staying in the Pediatric ICU.”
Monday’s total raised by the campaign was more than $13,000
“Anything donated is going to these two kids,”Quigley wrote. “They have been through so much and I feel like the least I can do is create something that helps them adapt to what comes after this tragedy.”
Matthews radio station colleagues at WWJ were forced to report his death and mourn his loss.
“He would often talk to co-workers about his children and their adventures at school,” anchor Jackie Paige said on the air. “He was a consummate professional and was dedicated to WWJ and the broadcasting industry. He loved delivering the latest news to his listeners every night.”
Authorities did not release any information about the motives for the attack.
“The Chesterfield Public Safety Department will not rest until we have received justice for our victims,” Bassett said.