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'He always had a nice word’: Tributes paid to WWJ anchor Jim Matthews, suspect remains hospitalized

The 54-year-old male suspect was found in the basement suffering from self-inflicted wounds and a drug overdose, the police are yet to find a motive

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: The tragic death of the 57-year-old radio journalist Jim Matthews, who was found dead on September 23 following an attempted murder-suicide left his co-workers at WWJ-AM (950) in shock who described Matthews as "a consummate professional." Broadcaster Charlie Langton, one of Matthews' colleagues said that Matthews always had nice words.

Recalling the morning routine, Langton said, "When he was off at 5 am I was just coming in at 5 am, so I would see him. He always had a nice word, always had something good to say. He was just a great guy." "Something like this I never would have expected it in a million years," he said, as reported by DailyMail. On the other hand, one of Matthews' neighbors, Thomas Teague, said, "I think it's crazy. I can't make sense of it."

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What do we know so far?

Director of Public Safety Brian Bassett said a 911 call came in on September 23. They were called to the house on Bayview Drive off Hooker Road around noon after the attack. According to officers, as reported earlier, Matthews’ girlfriend, 35, escaped the horrific scene with their 5-year-old daughter. The girlfriend was stabbed several times, according to police. The little girl was also injured, and their 10-year-old boy was found tied up with head trauma. The woman and the boy are in critical condition and the girl was hospitalized Friday evening in stable condition.
 
Authorities say they found the 54-year-old male suspect in the basement, overdosed and suffering from self-inflicted wounds. Investigators said no weapon was involved. However, he was taken into custody and moved to a local hospital where he still remains in stable condition. He faces a litany of charges for the assault for which police are yet to find a motive. According to Bassett, the family knew the suspect and had welcomed him into the home earlier in the morning. The attack remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, WWJ 950 released a statement remembering Matthews. It read, “WWJ Newsradio 950's Jim Matthews was tragically killed Friday afternoon in Chesterfield Township. Jim worked as the overnight news anchor for nearly seven years. He would often talk to co-workers about his children and his love for them and their adventures at school.”