Matthew Taylor Coleman, the California surf instructor and QAnon follower, is embroiled in a chilling case involving the murders of his two young children. Accused of stabbing 2-year-old Kaleo and 10-month-old Roxy with a speargun, the harrowing event has shocked communities and raised serious questions about mental health and extremist beliefs.
The tragic incident unfolded on August 7, 2021, when Coleman, 43, loaded his children for what was purported to be a family trip. Instead, he crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, where he would commit unfathomable violence. According to authorities, after staying at a resort for two days, Coleman transported his children to a remote area, where he killed them. A farmer discovered the bodies shortly after the gruesome act.
Documents released by federal authorities reveal Coleman believed his children possessed 'serpent DNA,' convinced by dubious conspiracy theories propagated by the far-right movement, QAnon. Upon his arrest, Coleman reportedly told FBI agents, "I had to kill my children...it was to save the world." He expressed delusional thoughts, claiming to see signs and visions indicating his wife, Abby Coleman, was also infected with this so-called corrupted DNA.
Family members have described Coleman’s mental state as deteriorated since the murders. He is currently deemed incompetent to stand trial, having shown alarming behavior, including self-mutilation and bizarre ramblings. "He rambles a lot. And it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Something has happened, but he’s not the man we know and love. I don’t know what switched," said one family member.
Despite the time elapsed since the horrendous crime, delays and extensions at court continue as attorneys argue over Coleman’s mental capacity. The case has been postponed several times, with the next hearing set for February 18, 2024. Neither side of the court has seen substantial improvement in his mental health, which has raised concerns about the prospect of him ever standing trial.
Legal experts highlight the challenges posed by cases involving mental illness and radicalization, particularly those influenced by extremist ideologies. Coleman’s attachment to QAnon—a group known for its unfounded conspiracy theories—serves as a grim reminder of how such beliefs can lead individuals to commit violent acts, convinced they are acting for the greater good.
Responses to the Coleman case have sparked discussions about the psychological ramifications of conspiracy theories, with mental health professionals emphasizing the need for early intervention and treatment for those showing signs of extreme belief systems. Coleman’s wife, Abby, after severing ties with her husband post-arrest, has returned to Texas to seek solace and support from her family. While she has not initiated divorce proceedings, sources indicate she is struggling to rebuild her life after the loss of her children.
“As she tries to pick up the pieces of her life, obviously what she had is now gone forever, and she’s dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy,” detailed another family source.
This case serves as a dark reminder of the potent danger posed by radical beliefs and how they can warp individuals’ judgment, leading to catastrophic outcomes. For society, it raises urgent questions about preventative measures from radical influences and how to effectively support families facing such crises.
The Coleman case remains pending, with many eyes set on the upcoming court hearing. Advocates for families affected by extremism hope it will lead to greater awareness and resources dedicated to preventing similar tragedies as the one experienced by the Coleman family.
Only time will tell if Coleman will be able to assist with his own defense and if justice will be served for Kaleo and Roxy. Until then, the memory of the two children hangs heavily on the community and their family.