A 36-year-old Westland man was arraigned today on murder charges stemming from the shooting death of Taylor police Cpl. Matthew Edwards.
Judge Geno Salomone of 23rd District Court arraigned Tyress Trearndos Mathews from Mathews’ hospital bed. A not-guilty plea was entered for Mathews, who will be held without bond. A preliminary exam is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 21.
Mathews is charged with premeditated murder, murder of a peace officer, assault with intent to murder and other felonies. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
“I would ask the community to continue to keep Cpl. Edwards’ family in their prayers and in the days to come, as his family tries to comprehend the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” Taylor Police Chief Dale Tamsen said in a statement. “I would also like to thank the community and other police agencies for the outpouring of support shown to our department at this time. The response has been incredible, and our department will now try to start the healing process.”
Edwards, an honored officer, husband and father of two, was shot after he and his partner, Cpl. Gregory Pinche, responded to a breaking and entering call about 5:45 a.m. July 23. The officers were responding to an apartment complex in the 12000 block of Pine Street.
The officers saw a window screen on the ground and observed the defendant leaning on a minivan parked outside of the residence, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. The officers exited their vehicle, and Mathews approached them, carrying a bag. Mathews allegedly had an argument with his wife and claimed he needed to re-enter their apartment to get his keys, prosecutors said.
Police said Mathews pulled a handgun and fired at Edwards. The officer fell to the ground and the defendant continued firing the weapon, according to authorities. Mathews turned to run with the handgun and the bag when both Pinche and Edwards returned fire, striking Mathews several times, police said.
