WWJ 950 news anchor Jim Matthews was reportedly murdered Friday afternoon. According to TMZ, Matthews’ girlfriend and his two children were also injured in the attack.
Authorities are reportedly investigating the case as a “domestic situation” involving a murder and attempted suicide. Police said they had to force their way into the home where they found Matthews’ 10-year-old son tied up and beaten inside of a closet.
While details are still emerging, authorities said Matthews invited a man who lives nearby, into his condominium. Matthews lived in Chesterfield Township, about 34 miles outside of Detroit.
The alleged attacker was discovered in the basement overdosing on heroin and suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said they administered Narcan to reverse the effects of the overdose. Police are still investigating the relationship between Matthews and his attacker.
Matthews’ girlfriend reportedly escaped from their home along with his five-year-old daughter. She was able to flag down a neighbor who called the police. The girlfriend was reportedly suffering from stab wounds, the child was injured as well.
TMZ said both the girlfriend and his son are in critical condition while his daughter is listed as stable.
“Our investigation has determined this is an isolated tragedy that does not present a danger to our community at this time,” Chesterfield Township Police Chief Brian Bassett said.
WWJ issued a statement expressing extreme shock and sorrow.
“There have been many tears shed in our newsroom today and Jim will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to the brother of Jim Matthews, the WWJ news anchor may have came home to the attack already in progress.
“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,” Nicolai told WXYZ-TV. “I believe that [Matthews’ son] 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.”
A GoFundMe has been started for the children of Matthews. The sister of Matthews’ girlfriend has updated progress of the victims, saying “I am happy to say my older sister and my niece are both in stable condition. I am also happy to say that my niece is still acting like her normal happy self though she does somewhat understand the situation going on. My nephew has had a few victories of his own. Thankfully, his surgery was very successful, and after some tests and scans, his neck was deemed okay. He was able to take off his C-Collar which helped make the swelling in his face go down. He is still sedated while he heals, but he can move both sides of his body.”
