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'Not even something you’d see in a horror movie': Jim Matthews’ brother on tragedy that took anchor's life

'He loved taking care of his kids, he loved being on the radio,' Joe Nicolai said about his brother Jim Matthews

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: The tragic death of the 57-year-old radio journalist Jim Matthews has left the nation in shock. The overnight anchor at WWJ-AM died after an alleged murder attack on him on Friday, September 23. The attack also left Matthews’ girlfriend and two children severely injured. Now his brother has come forward to describe the tragedy which claimed the life of the radio anchor.

During a one-on-one interview with 7 action news, Joe Nicolai, Matthews's brother, described Friday's tragedy on Bayview Drive, "It’s not even something you’d see in a horror movie." Nicolai revealed his wife told him about his brother’s death and his nephew’s trauma on a phone call on Friday. “Nicole, my brother’s girlfriend, was laying out in the parking lot and was duct-taped and bleeding so my wife went out to hold her hand,” he said.

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When asked if he knows the possible motive behind the spine-chilling attack on the Radio Anchor who was 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, and 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.”

Nicolai further said apart from being a devoted professional, Jim was also a hardworking father, who used to play DJ for his children. "He loved taking care of his kids, he loved being on the radio,” Nicolai said. "He used to play the radio when he was a kid. He would play DJ, that was his passion. He was a really amazing person.”

Nicolai also added that a GoFundMe page will be set up for the two young children of Mathews in the near future as they will need help to fight the trauma and stand on their own feet.

As per reports, the murder of the beloved radio anchor took place at his home in the 33000 block of Bayview residence in Chesterfield Township. Chesterfield Police were called to the Bayview Drive condo at noon when an unknown individual stopped near a residence to help a crawling 35-year-old woman with a stab wound and a five-year-old daughter in her hand. He also acknowledged that the little girl was hurt, but did not provide further details.

The deputies rushed to the residence where they found the dead body of the anchor. They also discovered a frightened 10-year-old boy hiding in the closet. Additionally, the murder suspect was found in the basement with self-inflicted wounds and it is reported that he attempted to kill himself.

Based on sources, hours prior to the frightening attack, the alleged killer, who was a frequent guest at Matthews' house, was originally invited inside. However, an investigation is still being conducted to find out the motive behind the attack.

“Our investigation has determined this is an isolated tragedy that does not present a danger to our community at this time. The Chesterfield Public Safety Department will not rest until we have received justice for our victims,” Township Public Safety Director Brian Bassett said in a statement.