Life Without Parole For Taylor Cop Killer
DETROIT (WWJ) - A Westland man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in the July 2010 death of a Taylor police officer.
The 37-year-old Tyress Mathews, on Nov. 11, was found guilty of first degree pre-meditated murder.
Corporal Matthew Edwards, along with his partner, was responding to a domestic disturbance call at a town home complex in when he was fatally shot.
Prosecutors said Mathews killed Edwards in a premeditated act, firing several shots, including one execution style.
Speaking before the court, Edwards' father David Edwards recalled son's personal milestones in a life that ended too soon. "... what it was like when he was able to buy his first car on his own, getting married, starting to have children, ultimately making the decision to leave his job at Meijer and take a pay cut so that he could follow his dream of becoming a police officer."
The elder Edwards said he tried to prepare himself in case something did happen to his son in the line of duty. But, in the end, it didn't help.
Edwards, 31, was the first person with Taylor Police to be killed in the line of duty. He had been with the department for five years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Speaking through tears, Edwards' widow, Shannon Edwards, said there was nothing she could say that would change what happened.
"I'll endure the pain of the loss of my husband and continue to pick up the broken and shattered pieces Mr. Mathews has caused in my life and in my children's lives," she said.
WWJ's Ron Dewey reported that Mathews showed no remorse and was defiant as he addressed the court Monday.
"You called me a coward, Mr. Prosecutor, you do not even know me, sir. I tried to walk away," Mathews said.
Mathews' attorney has said he will appeal.
