Kristopher Matthews: Dad who let two month old wither away until he was ‘skin covered skeleton’ learns fate
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
A dad who said he had no duty to feed his baby because “he was the father”, has learnt his fate after the two month old died looking like a “skin covered skeleton”.
A jury found Alabama father Kristopher Matthews guilty of aggravated child abuse in August and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The baby, Karson Matthews, was 2.7kg when he was born but weighed “substantially less” when he died in September 2018, according to the office of District Attorney CJ Robinson.
In a searing statement on the harrowing case, DA Robinson likened photos of the baby to something straight out of a “horror movie”.
“In an interview with law enforcement, Kristopher Matthews admitted to having never taken Karson to the doctor after being released from the hospital after birth. He claimed he never personally fed his child and had no duty to do so since he was the father,” a statement from the DA’s office read.
“This withered child’s body was nothing but a dirty, skin covered skeleton,” he wrote.
“A haunting image that no one who saw it will ever forget.”
Kristopher’s wife, Shirley Matthews, was convicted of the same charges in July 2024 and sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
“Kristopher and Shirley Matthews completely destroyed the life of their baby boy by neglecting his existence until he died,” Robinson wrote.
“No question, this is one of the hardest cases we have ever had to prosecute. The suffering and agonizing death of this baby was completely avoidable.”
“Evil is real. Honestly, prison is too good for what they deserve, but it’s all the law will allow.”
Judge Amanda Blaxley described the case as “horrific”.
“I wish I could sentence you to more than 20 years, but the law at the time of this offense handcuffed the prosecution and handcuffs me as well,” she said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
