The suspect, Matthew Lee Richards, 41, is charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated arson with risk of bodily harm. The victims sustained laceration injuries of varying degrees.Photo:Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
His wife and children — including a 19-year-old and four minors — sustained “laceration injuries of varying degrees,” per the release. As of Saturday, his wife and two minors remained at the hospital and Richards was also transported. The older child and two other minors were released.
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Matthew Lee Richards, Shawnee man accused of trying to kill wife.FOX4 News Kansas City/Youtube
FOX4 News Kansas City/Youtube
Richards was arrested and charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated arson with risk of bodily harm, police said.
According tojail records, Richards is being held on a $5 million bond.
The investigation is ongoing, authorities noted.
The suspect, Matthew Lee Richards, 41, is charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated arson with risk of bodily harm. The victims sustained laceration injuries of varying degrees. Credit: Johnson County Sheriff Office.Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
According toFox News, Richards' biography on the Crossroads Christian Church website — which has since been removed — described him as “a big kids [sic] who loves teaching little kids about Jesus.”
“He has been married to Stephanie since 2003 and they have 4 boys and 1 girl. He and his family have three rules: 1. Love God, 2. Love People, 3. Love Sports (especially the Jayhawks and Sporting KC),” the biography stated, per the outlet. “Matt and his family have been at Crossroads since August 2016 and look forward to many more years helping teach and reach those in the Shawnee area.”
“This is a tragedy beyond what any of us could have imagined,” they continued. “We are offering support and resources to the members of the Richards family who were victimized and their extended family. The road to recovery will be long – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Please respect their privacy as they walk this incredibly challenging and painful road. Please join us as we continue to pray for and stand with them.”
The Shawnee Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
