Friends of a well-known Mobile pastor and his wife are grieving after a shooting inside their home last weekend left the pastor dead, his wife hospitalized and his daughter facing murder charges.
Robert Matthews, pastor of Joy Tabernacle on Ann Street, was found dead when Mobile police responded to a home on Avonlea Court Sunday night, just before 8 p.m. His wife, Twinetta Matthews, was also shot and taken to the hospital, where a close family friend says she is recovering.
Police say the couple’s daughter, Charity Matthews, is accused of shooting both of her parents as well as her ex-boyfriend, Samson Moore. Investigators say she also fired in the direction of her brother during the incident. She was arrested hours after the shooting and charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and reckless endangerment.
Charity Matthews pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Thursday morning. The state has since filed a motion seeking to hold her without bond, and she is scheduled to appear for an Aniah’s Law hearing next week, a proceeding used in Alabama to determine whether a defendant charged with certain violent offenses should be denied bail.
Shavon Buchanan, a close family friend who has been speaking on behalf of the Matthews family, described Pastor Matthews as a devoted spiritual leader and family man known affectionately in the community as “Fun Daddy.” His wife of nearly 50 years is known as “Mama Nett.”
“When I found out it was the Matthews family there really are no words,” Buchanan said. “Something that you would never expect. It’s almost like living in a nightmare only because they are such a good family.”
Buchanan said she has known Charity Matthews for years and struggled to reconcile the charges with the person she grew up knowing.
“I know Charity was a loving person. I know she carried love in her heart. I know that she’s seen a lot and been through a lot just from personal conversations that I will not share,” Buchanan said. “There are just no words. I love her and I’m praying for her as well.”
Buchanan said the family, who she described as strong in their faith, is relying on that faith to get through what she called an unimaginable tragedy, and that immediate relatives have found it too painful to speak publicly right now.
“Stay strong and I’m praying for you guys to have peace and that God gives you peace that surpasses all understanding,” Buchanan said, addressing the family directly. “And I know that they’ll be okay.”
She closed by thanking the family for allowing her to speak on their behalf during such a difficult time.
“To the Matthews family, I thank you for allowing me to speak on your behalf,” Buchanan said. “I’m grateful that I’m a part of your family and speak on your behalf and just stay strong.”
The case remains under investigation, and additional court proceedings are expected as it moves forward.