News anchor Jim Matthews killed in attempted murder-suicide

A much-loved news anchor has been killed in a horrifying attempted murder-suicide that left four others – including two children – seriously injured.

Detroit radio announcer Jim Matthews was murdered in a failed murder-suicide. Picture: WWJ Digital

A news radio anchor was killed in an attempted murder-suicide at his house that left four other people seriously injured.

Jim Matthews, a 57-year-old overnight anchor at WWJ-AM in Detroit, US, was murdered Friday in the Chesterfield Township, Michigan, horror, according to his station.

Matthews’ 35-year-old girlfriend and his two children, ages 5 and 10, were hospitalised in the incident along with the 54-year-old murder suspect, who had unsuccessfully attempted to kill himself, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The suspected killer was a frequent visitor to Matthews’ home and had been invited inside hours before the disturbing attack, which happened around noon, police reportedly said.

The unidentified injured woman was able to escape the house with the 5-year-old girl and flag down a driver to call police, officials said at a press conference, according to the paper.

She was taken to the hospital in critical condition while the girl was in stable condition with unspecified injuries, the outlet reported.

A statement from WWJ on the tragic loss of our overnight anchor, Jim Matthews. pic.twitter.com/qlsRv5Ukp9

— WWJ 950 (@WWJ950) September 23, 2022

Police arrived to find Matthews dead and the 10-year-old boy critically injured in a closet, where he was bound and suffering from blunt-force trauma, police reportedly said.

The suspect was in the basement suffering from self-inflicted wounds and a drug overdose, according to the article. He was in stable condition and is facing charges.

It was unclear what led to the attacks, and the investigation is ongoing.

The late broadcaster was a devoted family man who was passionate about reporting the news, WWJ-AM wrote.

“He would often talk to co-workers about his children and his love for them and their adventures at school,” the radio station said.

“He was a consummate professional and was dedicated to WWJ and the broadcasting industry. He loved delivering the latest news to his listeners,” the station continued.

“There have been many tears shed in our newsroom this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim’s family and friends.”

This story originally appeared on the NY Post and was reproduced with permission.