Murdered news anchor Jim Matthews' son, 10, is off ventilator and recovering after hammer attack
Trigger warning: The article contains graphic description of crime that may be traumatic to some readers. Discretion is advised.
CHESTERFIELD, MICHIGAN: In a controversial tragedy, the son of Michigan radio news anchor for WWJ, Jim Matthews, 57, killed in a brutal murder-suicide attempt in his condo by his wife Nichole Guertin's friend, is off the ventilator and making improvements after suspect Arthur Williamson battered the 10-year-old Hunter Matthews with a hammer.
Hunter had undergone brain and ear surgery after he suffered severe blunt force from being struck by a hammer inside their Chesterfield Township home on September 23. Hunter has opened his eye and is able to respond to a verbal command, squeezing a hand, when instructed to do so, reported the relieved family. Hunter's five-year-old sister Rosie and mother, Nichole had also suffered severe injuries in the incident and are in stable condition.
READ MORE
WWJ anchor Jim Matthews, 57, found dead in murder-suicide attack with 4 others injured
According to neighbors, suspect Arthur visited Nichole up to four times a week, while the newscaster slept after his night shifts. On the day of the tragedy, the 55-year-old suspect was believed to be waiting for Mathew to return home from his work. Officials revealed Hunter suffered life-threatening injuries after being thrashed with a hammer, tied up, and thrown in the closet by Arthur, when he tried to wrestle the attacker to save his father. Arthur's exact relationship with the family is not disclosed.
Police also revealed that Nicole, Matthew's live-in girlfriend, was also critically injured in the attack. She was stabbed multiple times, gagged, and bound by the attacker. In spite of her wounds, Nicole miraculously escaped with her five-year-old child Rosie and was able to flag down a driver near her home and ask them to call 911. When police arrived at the crime scene, they found the news anchor dead and Hunter in a closet. Arthur was found in the basement of the condo with self-inflicted injuries and was trying to overdose on heroin. He was also rushed to the hospital.
Arthur Williamson was charged with first-degree murder, seven felonies, two counts of assault with intent to murder and three counts of unlawful imprisonment in Malcom County, Michigan, reports Detroit News. Arthur Williamson is currently being held at Macomb County Jail without bond. WWJ radio station where Jim worked confirmed Hunter is recovering from the brutal attack. His sister Rosie's injuries are reported to be less severe than the mother and son but the exact injuries are unknown. Rosie was released from the hospital.
A GoFundMe organized by children's aunt Ashely Quigley was able to raise more than $16,000 since it was launched. The funds donated will be used for the children, reads the page. The aunt shared the young girl is acting her normal happy self despite her injuries. She said Hunter had a few victories of his own, including successful surgery and removal of his c-collar. A c-collar is a special neck brace, used to stabilize the cervical spine after surgery to trauma to the region. Ashely said they have a long way of recovery and thanked everyone who supported the family.