Jim Matthews' 10-year-old son Hunter tried to wrestle the attacker while protecting his father from harm
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: The tragic death of the 57-year-old radio journalist Jim Matthews has shaken the nation. The radio anchor at WWJ-AM died in an alleged murder-suicide attempt by a "family friend" on Friday, September 23. Matthews’ brother Joe Nicolai revealed that the anchor's 10-year-old son Hunter tried to wrestle the attacker while trying to save his father before getting beaten up and locked in the closet.
Chesterfield Police were called to Matthews’ home by a motorist who found Mathew’s girlfriend, Nichole Guertin, bleeding profusely from a stab wound while holding his five-year-old daughter Rosie in her arms. While searching the residence, the deputies found Mathews’ 10-year-old son, Hunter, locked in the closet.
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The paramedics transported Hunter to the Chesterfield hospital where he is said to be in critical condition following a brain and ear surgery. Officials revealed the child suffered life-threatening injuries after being thrashed with a hammer, tied up, and thrown in the closet by the attacker, when he tried to fight back and save his father.
Speaking to WXYZ, Nicolai said, "I believe that Hunter the 10-year-old was trying to fight off this man that was attacking and trying to kill his father, and that’s how Hunter ended up injured and tied and put into a closet."
The police said that murderer is still in hospital. Hunter’s aunt Ashley Quigley said he was currently "sedated as he goes through the biggest challenge he has yet to face." Quigley has set up a GoFundMe page to garner help for the family. She is also taking care of Rosie, who suffered less serious injuries during the attack.
During the interview, Nicolai described the attack on the Matthews family as something no one would see, not even in a horror movie. When asked if he knew the possible motive behind the attack on Matthews, who is described as "a consummate professional", Nicolai said, "There is no motive, I don’t know why he was in the house. I talked to the lead investigator, and my brother probably came home to this. He comes home about 5:30 in the morning and was probably surprised and attacked.”
Police also revealed that Guertin, Matthew's live-in girlfriend, was also critically injured in the attack. The woman was stabbed multiple times, gagged, and bound by the attacker. Additionally, cops also found the 54-year-old suspect, overdosing on heroin and suffering from self-inflicted wounds in the basement of Matthews' apartment.
Based on sources, hours before the attack, the killer, who was a frequent guest at Matthews' home, was originally invited inside. The attacker is currently in hospital but under stable condition. Officials will charge him after obtaining the motive of the attack.