Reader Opinion
Subject: The Tragic Story of Little Matthew
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 16:48:37 EST
My friends,
As you can see, this post came to me back in November of 1998. Even though little Matthew died from a knife wound more than a year ago, this message is still vital to all of us today. If you have a child, grand child, or a neighbor's child who you care for, be sure to take the following post under consideration. I have always been careful about my grandson who I often care for, but some folks are not.
Al Colombo
Dear Friends on MOMS ONLINE,
I live in San Diego County, this past Saturday something horrible happened in another San Diego County town, a child was murdered. This random act of violence happened while a child was in a situation that most of us wouldn't think twice about being in.
Matthew was 9 years old. His family was visiting from Northern California, they went to a campground near the ocean. He needed to use the restroom, an Aunt walks with him and sends him into the men's restroom as she waits outside, while she is waiting another young person seeming to be between the ages of 15-17 walks in, she thinks nothing until the stranger runs out of the restroom, she goes in to check on him and there he lays in a pool of his own blood, his throat slit from ear to ear and bleeding from many stab wounds. The child died in his Aunt's arms. There is no reason for this crime, there was no motive. And worse yet, the suspect got away.
Today is Monday and thank the dear Lord above the suspect was caught in Hollywood, he was robbing a woman and stabbing her in the head. He was apprehended by bystanders and held for police. It seems that the evidence is showing he is the man that killed poor Matthew. He is a 20 year old transient from another state.
I have a son that is 9 years old, it brings tears to my eyes when I watch the news or when I read the paper, I can't imagine what this family is going through. I pray that the Lord brings them peace someday. I think of all the times I have sent my 9 year old into the restroom as I waited outside for him, never thinking he wouldn't return. You think that you've covered all your bases when protecting your children and another incident opens your eyes, Matthew's Dad said it best, "Protect your children to the point of being paranoid, the world is full of predators."
I pray the suspect gets what is coming to him and that justice is served. Please remember this family in your prayers. They will need many to ever find peace.
Please copy this letter and send it to everyone you know online, share the warning with them, share the fact that someone needs there prayers most desperately now.
Sincerely,
Kathy C.
San Diego, CA.
